Tag: Chapel Hill Regional

UNC star Vance Honeycutt joins more ACC baseball history with first home run against LSU

UNC baseball star Vance Honeycutt added on yet another milestone to his historic career Saturday evening.

With how much power flows throughout the UNC and LSU baseball programs, it was surprising to see Saturday’s Chapel Hill Regional matchup scoreless through four-and-a-half innings.

Both the Diamond Heels and defending national champion Tigers had their chances, but Shea Sprague and Luke Holman were locked in a pitcher’s duel. Every time it appeared either UNC or LSU scored, Sprague or Holman recorded quick outs or the defense behind them made amazing plays.

Vance Honeycutt, North Carolina’s do-it-all center fielder who recently won his second consecutive ACC Defensive Player of the Year award, leads UNC in stolen bases and home runs, broke the scoreless tie in dramatic fashion.

On his first pitch from Holman in the fifth inning, Honeycutt sent a no-doubt home run – over the left-field fence and well over the outfield netting – for a 3-0 Diamond Heels lead.

Not only did Honeycutt’s blast break a scoreless tie, but it was his 60th career home run, putting him in an exclusive ACC club with Anthony Maisano, Pat Clougherty, current Wake Forest junior Nick Kurtz and former World Series champion J.D. Drew.

These weren’t the only offensive fireworks for Honeycutt, who gave UNC some much-needed breathing room with his second home run in the seventh. LSU closed its deficit to 3-2 in the top half of the seventh, then Honeycutt smoked a 2-strike, hanging off-speed pitch over the left field fence and extended North Carolina’s slim advantage to 4-2.

The Diamond Heels will try and advance to a Super Regional later today, when they host the winner of Wofford-LSU at 6 p.m. ET.

Will we see more Honeycutt fireworks tonight?

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Chapel Hill Regional provides familiar territory for which LSU baseball star?

One LSU player is familiar with North Carolina going back to his days at NC State.

If you think you heard an earthquake in Chapel Hill last night, it likely came from Boshamer Stadium.

After the UNC baseball team trailed LIU 8-5, entering the bottom of the ninth in last night’s Chapel Hill NCAA Tournament Regional nightcap, freshman Gavin Gallagher blasted a grand slam far over the left field fence for an 11-8 walk-off. This was – undoubtedly – the most clutch hit of Gallagher’s young collegiate career.

Not only did Gallagher’s blast keep North Carolina in the winner’s bracket, but it also helped the Diamond Heels avoid complete embarrassment. UNC is the fourth national seed – if it lost last night to an LIU Sharks team it should’ve dominated from opening pitch, UNC would need four wins in five days to advance and host a Super Regional.

North Carolina will now play LSU, which also won on a walk-off home run Friday, at 5 p.m. later today.

This is the first matchup for both programs in this regional, but for one LSU player, UNC is no stranger.

Tommy White, the Tigers’ power-hitting third baseman who will almost certainly be a first-round pick in July’s MLB Draft, played at NC State during the 2022 campaign.

The Diamond Heels and Wolfpack faced off for one series in 2022, May 6-8 in Raleigh, with the Diamond Heels taking two of three.

White, like he has all season, showed up in that 2022 UNC-NC State series. He hit 5-for-13, drove in three runs and scored twice, including a 3-for-4, 2-RBI, 2-run day in the Saturday May win.

White is currently hitting .332 with 24 home runs and 69 RBIs, but he went 0-for-4 in LSU’s walk-off win over Wofford on Friday. He’ll certainly be hoping for redemption in his first matchup against North Carolina since 2022.

Will the Diamond Heels’ pitching staff be able neutralize White in a crucial game later today?

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How to watch UNC vs LSU in Chapel Hill Regional

Find out how and where to watch the UNC and LSU baseball matchup in the Chapel Hill Regional.

When it was announced that the University of North Carolina would be hosting the Chapel Hill Regional, excitement filled the air until a day later, when LSU popped into their bracket.

Knowing that these two powerhouses would have to go against one another added value to the Region, causing a sold-out weekend at the Bosh. Both teams surprisingly struggled in their games, needing a walk-off homer against teams that should’ve been more of a tune-up.

LSU was in a defensive battle against Wofford, tied up 3-3 when in the bottom of the third, shortstop Steven Milam blasted a walk-off homerun, ending the Terrier’s upset hopes.

On the flip side, UNC had control after regaining the lead against a fiery LIU team that wouldn’t give up. In the 9th inning, they put up four runs to retake the lead, but the legend of [autotag]Gavin Gallaher[/autotag] grew as he hit a walk-off grand slam to avoid the Sharks trap and win it 11-8.

Now we get the matchup everyone circled when the Regional was released, and here’s how you can watch it.

UNC-LSU TV, RADIO, AND STREAMING INFORMATION

WHAT: North Carolina (43-13, 22-8 ACC) vs. LSU (41-21, 13-17 SEC)

WHEN: Saturday, June 1 at 5 p.m.

LOCATION: Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, NC

TV: ESPN2 / ESPN+ (Watch and stream the game live on ESPN)

ANNOUNCERS: Mike Monaco, Gaby Sanchez

SATELLITE RADIO: Tar Heel Sports Network

WEBSITE: WatchESPN

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Gavin Gallaher rallies fans after walk-off grand slam victory

UNC’s third baseman Gavin Gallaher sends message to fans following his walk-off grand slam.

While celebrating the University of North Carolina’s dramatic win in the Chapel Hill Regionals of the NCAA Tournament, [autotag]Gavin Gallaher[/autotag] took the time to record a message for UNC fans.

In the video, Gallaher can be seen celebrating in the dugout, smeared eye paint and all, telling fans, “Let’s play tomorrow, come out, be there,” in-between cheers of triumph.

Gallaher had a huge night tonight, going 3-for-4 at the plate and racking up two home runs, with his final home run of the night being a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning. That grand slam led to the Tar Heel’s defeat over the Long Island Sharks.

Gallaher’s performance not only secured the win but also energized the team and fans for the challenges ahead.

The Heels will continue their NCAA tournament run on Saturday, as they face the 2023 National Champions, the LSU Tigers. Tonight’s exciting win paired with the encouragement from Gallaher should bring Tar Heel fans out to the Bosh for what is sure to be another riveting game of baseball.

The winner of Saturday’s game will go on to play in the Chapel Hill Regional Title game on Sunday.

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UNC Freshman Gavin Gallaher shines with walk-off Grand Slam in Chapel Hill Regional opener

University of North Carolina Freshman Gavin Gallaher shines with walk-off Grand Slam against LIU in Chapel Hill Regional opener

It was a night to remember for University of North Carolina third baseman freshman [autotag]Gavin Gallaher[/autotag], who played lights out in the Tar Heels thrilling 11-8 victory over Long Island.

Many expected the UNC to roll over LIU, but that was anything else, with the Tar Heels barely escaping the Shark’s jaws. Instead, it was thanks to a big night from Gallaher, who delivered throughout critical moments of the game.

Gallaher hit a huge home run in the fourth inning to bring UNC within one and followed up in the sixth inning with an RBI double to tie the game. His biggest hit of the night wouldn’t come until the bottom of the ninth, where he hit his second home run of the game, this time in a walk-off grand slam fashion.

 

It was UNC’s first walk-off win in an NCAA tournament since 2019, electrifying fans in the stands and at home. As a freshman, it gets no better than what Gallaher was able to do in his NCAA tournament debut. Gallaher went 3-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, including a grand slam for a storybook ending.

If the Tar Heels want to beat LSU, they will need Gallaher and that swing to show up.

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UNC baseball edges out LIU in thrilling Chapel Hill Regional

The University of North Carolina held off the Sharks to win 11-8 in a thrilling Chapel Hill Regional opener.

Who knew Sharks could be so dangerous? Well, the University of North Carolina baseball program found that out early during their first game of the Chapel Hill Regional. 

The Tar Heels needed a walk-off grand slam from freshman Gavin Gallaher to escape a big upset bd in the bottom of the ninth. After UNC gave up the lead in the top half of the inning, they found themselves down three with three outs to go.

And then one of their talented freshmen delivered the big swing for a 11-8 win.

The game had its ups and downs for the Diamond Heels, grabbing an early lead, losing it, re-grabbing the lead and then relinquishing it back up. In fact, it was not looking good for a lot of it.

Pitcher [autotag]Jason DeCaro[/autotag] got the start, becoming the third freshman since 1999 to start a Regional opener, and despite looking to be in control, things would soon explode. After taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning, it felt like easy sailing for UNC, however, the third inning showed otherwise. The Long Island Sharks attacked, put three runs on the board, and officially put UNC on their heels. 

The Tar Heels did start to answer back in the fourth inning with a sweet homer by [autotag]Gavin Gallaher[/autotag].

Panic would creep in with UNC struggling to put up runs, only scoring that one in the fourth, and finding themselves down 3-2 heading into the sixth. However, in Tar Heel fashion, UNC surged back, tying the game with a Gallaher double, before [autotag]Alex Madera[/autotag] stepped up to the plate adding two more runs. 

LIU did muster up another run in the eighth, but the damage appeared to be done until it wasn’t… Instead of finishing the job, UNC added more work to their plate after allowing four runs in the ninth inning to go down 8-5 before the Gallaher heroics.

Next up for the UNC is a date against the LSU Tigers as they look to get a one-game advantage. The two teams will face off Saturday at 5 p.m., with the winner taking on whoever wins between LIU and Wofford.

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Casey Cook discusses home run surge ahead of Sold-Out Chapel Hill Regional

Casey Cook discusses home run surge and his hitting strides with Carolina Insider ahead of Sold-Out Chapel Hill Regional.

The University of North Carolina baseball program is hosting a sold-out Chapel Hill Regional this weekend, and we are now learning about what went into [autotag]Casey Cook[/autotag] hitting his strides in the home run category.

Cook sat down with Carolina insider to talk about a wide range of topics surrounding the season, including his swing improvements. Cook has the third most home runs (18) on the team while leading the team in RBIs (76).

During the interview, Cook spoke about his hitting this season, and how it came out about, watch a short snippet of the interview below.

Cook showcased what he could do last season, ranking second among rookies in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for hits (66). He wasn’t nearly the home run hitter he was last season, only mustering up three last year.

Cook hitting will be counted on heavily in the Chapel Hill Regionals, as they will need that and more to beat the LSU Tigers. It will be interesting to see if Cook can catch up to the team’s current home run leader Vance Honeycutt, who has 22 on the season.

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UNC freshman pitcher Jason DeCaro to start Chapel Hill Regional opener vs. LIU

UNC pitcher Jason DeCaro becomes the third UNC freshman to start an NCAA Regional since 1999, joining Matt Harvey and Kent Emanuel.

University of North Carolina pitcher [autotag]Jason DeCaro[/autotag] will get the start against Long Island University Friday night, becoming the third Tar Heel since 1999 to start an NCAA Regional opener as a true freshman per Pat James.

DeCaro joins an elite company as a freshman Tar Heel to start in such high stakes, alongside big names like Matt Harvey and Kent Emanuel. DeCaro will have the benefit of the game taking place in his backyard, as Chapel Hill earned the right to host at the Bosh.

Thankfully for DeCaro, the start comes against the Sharks and not the LSU Tigers, who are their next opponent after a dramatic finish over Wofford.

DeCaro has started 14 games this season with a 5-1 W/L record. The 18-year-old has an ERA of 3.80, allowing 64 hits and 34 runs in 73.4 innings pitched. DeCaro has shown great pose on the mound with the ability to freeze up the batter with 64 strikeouts collected.

If UNC wants to be victorious against LIU tonight and advance out of this Regional round, they will need a good outing from their freshman tonight, keeping the bullpen fresh for this weekend’s road ahead.

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UNC baseball carries ACC’s longest active NCAA Tournament streak

Will the UNC baseball team be able to turn its seventh-straight NCAA Tournament appearance into its first College World Series title?

The ACC as about as deep a conference gets in college baseball.

Entering the NCAA Baseball Tournament, which kicks off with regional play on Friday, May 31, eight separate ACC teams made it. Five of those ACC programs – North Carolina, NC State, Clemson, Florida State and Virginia – are all hosting regionals.

UVA was the most recent ACC program to win a College World Series (2015), but it’s the Diamond Heels more consistent than any of the above teams.

Here’s where it gets tricky – despite UNC typically faring well in the NCAA Tournament, it has yet to win a College World Series crown. With the exception of 2001, 2015 and 2016, North Carolina has made a Regional every season since 2000.

The Diamond Heels came the closest to a CWS victory in 2006 and 2007, losing to baseball rival Oregon State each year. It’s not for a lack of talent, but UNC just seems to run out of steam before the grand prize.

The 2024 Chapel Hill Regional will be North Carolina’s seventh-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, which is the ACC’s longest and nation’s seventh-longest streak.

UVA and Wake Forest, the other two ACC programs mentioned in this graphic, are also playing in the NCAA Baseball Tournament this year. UVA is hosting Mississippi State, St. Johns and Penn in a Regional, while Wake Forest is the Knoxville Regional’s 2-seed.

Will UNC, UVA and Wake Forest all advance to Omaha?

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How to watch UNC baseball’s NCAA Tournament opener

Turn your TVs on at 6 p.m. tomorrow for the start of UNC’s march to its first College World Series title.

The North Carolina Tar Heels did a complete 180 from last baseball season.

UNC only won one NCAA Tournament game last year. That’s more than a majority of programs can say, but also disappointing for North Carolina standards.

If you told me the Diamond Heels would be playing at the level they are today, I would be shocked.

Behind a strong collection of hitters, young talent, and several returners at key position, the UNC baseball team carries the 2024 NCAA Tournament’s fourth national seed. This means North Carolina is hosting a Regional, with its first game on Friday, May 31 at 6 p.m. against NEC Champion Long Island University.

The Diamond Heels should win their opener easily, but the Sharks have scored 32 runs in their past three games. Star UNC freshman pitcher Jason DeCaro toes the rubber for Friday’s opener – can he slow down the Sharks?

North Carolina’s offense is significantly more dangerous, with a .311 team average ranking 22nd in Division I. Whether Vance Honeycutt is hitting home runs or Anthony Donofrio racing around the bases for a triple, you can count on pretty much any hitter for plate production.

If you can’t make it to Boshamer Stadium for Friday’s game, how can you watch?

UNC-LIU TV, RADIO, AND STREAMING INFORMATION

WHAT: North Carolina (42-13, 22-8 ACC) vs. LIU (33-23, 24-9 NEC

WHEN: Friday, May 31 at 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, NC

TV: ESPN+ (Watch and stream the game live on ESPN)

ANNOUNCERS: Mike Monaco, Gaby Sanchez

SATELLITE RADIO: Tar Heel Sports Network

WEBSITE: WatchESPN

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