Chapel Hill’s Diamond Heels Prepare for High-Stakes Showdown with Wake Forest
As the University of North Carolina’s baseball team gears up for a highly anticipated series against Wake Forest, excitement is palpable at Boshamer Stadium. This clash is part of UNC’s April tour through North Carolina, where the Diamond Heels are in the midst of an intense nine-game stretch against teams from the Tar Heel state, with the majority of the games played on home turf.
Dominance on the Diamond: UNC vs. Wake Forest
The historical rivalry favors the Tar Heels, boasting a 170-127-3 all-time record against the Demon Deacons, with a staggering 98-57-1 performance in games contested in Chapel Hill. The Heels have an impressive streak of eight consecutive home series wins dating back to 2001, while they have managed to secure victories in the last three weekends, including clean sweeps in both 2018 and 2024. However, Wake Forest came out on top most recently, winning 5-9 in 12 innings during the 2024 ACC tournament. Nevertheless, the Heels have largely dominated recent encounters, winning eight of the last ten matchups and holding a 35-13 record since 2003.
Upcoming Series Schedule
Mark your calendars! The series against Wake Forest is set to ignite passion in the stands with the following schedule:
- Game 1: Thursday, April 10 – 6 PM ET | ACCN | Giveaway: Hats
- Game 2: Saturday, April 12 – 1 PM ET | ESPN2 | Kids Take Over the Bosh
- Game 3: Sunday, April 13 – 1 PM ET | ACCNX
Meet the Teams
#16 North Carolina Tar Heels (25-8, 8-7 ACC)
- Head Coach: Scott Forbes
- Record at North Carolina: 178-97 (5th Season)
- Career vs. Wake Forest: 5-2
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (24-10, 9-6 ACC)
- Head Coach: Tom Walter
- Record at Wake: 482-374-1 (16th Season)
- Career vs. UNC: 9-21
Rallying from the Fire: Recent Performances
This past Tuesday, Tyson Bass and Gavin Gallaher showcased a remarkable performance, each hitting two home runs in UNC’s thrilling 12-10 victory over Elon. This marked the last non-conference regular season road game for the Tar Heels, who fought back from both two-run and four-run deficits. Powered by their infamous clutch hitting, the Heels scored nine of their runs with two outs, demonstrating their resilience and tenacity on the field.
Bass’ grand slam was particularly noteworthy—it was the first of the season for Carolina, showcasing the team’s ability to come through under pressure and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The Battle of Rivals
In an electrifying weekend series, the Tar Heels triumphed over their bitter rivals, Duke, winning both Thursday and Saturday to extend their series win streak to six. Saturday’s rubber match was a nail-biter, lasting an incredible 14 innings over 5 hours and 15 minutes, tying the longest game in the rivalry’s storied history.
Alex Madera emerged as a hero, making key plays that secured victories in both contests, while Jackson Van De Brake sizzled at the plate, boasting a .538 batting average over the weekend with his first home run of the season.
Historic Moments and No-Hitters
This season has been one for the history books, as UNC achieved what they hadn’t done in over two decades: a no-hitter against Gardner-Webb during a run-rule 11-1 victory. It was the program’s first combined no-no since 1999, affirming their legacy and prowess on the field. This showcased a remarkable performance by pitchers Folger Boaz, Olin Johnson, and Camron Seagraves, who collectively struck out eight batters while allowing only one walk.
Pitching Powerhouse: The Arm Talent
The Tar Heels boast a formidable pitching staff that currently leads the ACC in several key categories, including ERA (3.44) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.72). Standout pitchers Jake Knapp and Haugh lead the charge, making waves across the conference with their impressive statistics.
The Rise of Jake Knapp
Jake Knapp’s return to the starting rotation has been nothing short of transformational. After a long injury layoff, he has returned with a vengeance, achieving six wins (tied for fourth in the nation) and maintaining a 1.58 ERA. His leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in driving the Tar Heels toward success this season.
Rounding Off with Transfer Talent
Tyson Bass has begun to carve a niche for himself at the Division I level. In the last ten games, he leads the team with a .410 batting average. Not only has his batting improved, but he’s also proven to be an asset defensively with remarkable catches in right field.
Join Us at Boshamer Stadium!
As the Tar Heels prepare to face Wake Forest, the spirit of competition is set to ignite within the walls of Boshamer Stadium. Will UNC continue its dominance at home against the Deacons? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, be sure to catch the action this April. The passion, history, and competitive spirit of Carolina baseball are on full display—don’t miss out!
Stay Connected
For updates and coverage, visit GoHeels and keep your spirits high as the Tar Heels embark on this exciting chapter of their season!
