Explosive Tar Heels Triumph Over Wake Forest in a Stunning 17-1 Victory
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The University of North Carolina’s baseball team put on a remarkable display of offensive prowess this Saturday afternoon, dominating Wake Forest with a phenomenal 17-1 victory in just seven innings. The Tar Heels (27-8, 10-7 ACC) claimed their second consecutive run-rule win, securing the series against the Demon Deacons, with a staggering +26 scoring margin that marks their largest in back-to-back ACC games since 2008.
A Historic Offensive Outburst
In what can only be described as a firing on all cylinders, this victory also signified the first time UNC had recorded 14 or more hits in three successive conference games since April 2022. From the final two innings of Friday night’s match-up to this weekend’s showdown, Carolina displayed relentless offensive force by scoring in six consecutive innings, racking up a total of 11 runs out of 14 opportunities in this series.
Key Players Making a Difference
On Saturday, the Tar Heels showcased a stunning .438 batting average, going 14-for-29 at the plate, complete with two doubles, two home runs, ten walks, and five hit-by-pitches. Impressively, every starter either tallied a hit or crossed home plate.
Jackson Van De Brake, the team captain, ignited the scoring frenzy right out of the gate. After a gritty eight-pitch at-bat, he crushed his second home run of the season, setting the tone for what would become an avalanche of offense. Van De Brake is scorching hot, boasting a .500 batting average with 11 hits and eight RBIs in his last five games.
Stellar Performances Steal the Show
Gavin Gallaher has been nothing short of a revelation for UNC, continuing his incredible streak throughout the match. He finished the game with a stellar 3-for-4 line, notching three RBIs and scoring twice. The last three contests have seen him achieve three hits in each game – a feat he had only accomplished in total during the first 32 games of the season! Also noteworthy, he’s hit a remarkable fifth home run in as many games, ramping up his season total from three.
In only his third start of the year, Carter French proved invaluable in the nine-hole, contributing two hits, two runs, and two RBIs, alongside his second sacrifice bunt of the series.
Opportunity Knocks
Given the substantial lead, coach Scott Forbes was able to provide valuable playing time to less experienced players in the later innings. Lee Sowers, a true freshman, made his collegiate debut and celebrated with an RBI, adding to the depth of not just the game but the entire roster as the season progresses.
Pitching Dominance
However, you can’t have a 16-run victory without formidable pitching, and Aidan Haugh delivered just that. With 6.0 innings of work, he allowed only five hits, one run, and struck out eight batters, enhancing his reputation as a quality arm on the mound. Haugh and teammate Jake Knapp remain the only qualified ACC pitchers holding ERAs below 2.00, with Haugh tying for the conference lead in strikeouts looking with 24.
The Road Ahead
As the Tar Heels look to complete a sweep against the Demon Deacons, they will return to Boshamer Stadium on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET. Don’t miss the action on ACCNX as Carolina aims to keep their momentum soaring high!
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