Chapel Hill, NC – The Chapel Hill Super Regional saw the UNC Tar Heels face off against the West Virginia Mountaineers in a high-stakes game that would determine which team would advance to the College World Series. The atmosphere was electric as fans from both teams packed the stadium, eager to witness the clash between these two formidable opponents.
Vance Honeycutt led the University of North Carolina (UNC) baseball team to a 2-1 victory over West Virginia on Saturday night, securing their spot in the College World Series.
Honeycutt, who had already demonstrated his prowess with a walk-off two-run shot in the series opener, continued his stellar performance by hitting a home run on the very first pitch of the game. This set the tone for UNC’s victory and solidified Honeycutt’s status as a record-breaking player. His 26th home run of the season not only surpassed his own single-season record but also marked the 63rd of his career, a testament to his incredible skill and dedication.
Honeycutt hits a home-run in the first inning. (photo by Gene Galin)
The Tar Heels’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Casey Cook and Parks Harber contributing to the scoring effort. Cook’s base hit and Harber’s single through the left side of the infield provided the necessary runs to secure the win.
West Virginia, despite a valiant effort, managed to score only one run in the bottom of the seventh inning. However, the Mountaineers’ late rally was not enough to overcome the Tar Heels’ lead.
Stellar pitching from the UNC team kept the Mountaineers’ offense at bay, allowing the Tar Heels to maintain their lead throughout the game. UNC’s Jason Decaro delivered an impressive performance on the mound, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing only one run on two hits and two walks. Dalton Pence came in as a reliever and secured the win for the Tar Heels, earning his eighth save of the season.
The game was not without its tense moments, as West Virginia mounted several comeback attempts. However, the UNC team remained composed and made crucial plays to maintain their lead throughout the game. The Tar Heels’ defense was particularly impressive, making several key stops that prevented the Mountaineers from gaining momentum.
As the final out was recorded, the UNC baseball team erupted in celebration, knowing that their hard work and dedication had paid off. With their sights set on Omaha, the Tar Heels are hoping to make a deep run in the College World Series and potentially bring home the championship trophy.