The Daily Tar Heel
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893.
Friday, March 29, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue

We keep you informed.

Help us keep going. Donate Today.
The Daily Tar Heel

NCAA Super Regional: Three reasons why UNC is going to Omaha

The outcome of a game can’t be attributed to one or two plays, but here’s three of the more important reasons why the top-seeded North Carolina baseball team won the deciding game of its Super Regional against South Carolina 5-4 to advance to the College World Series.

1. Brian Holberton

Early in the game, Tar Heel utility man Brian Holberton showed off his plethora of tools in clutch situations.

In the top of the second inning with two outs already recorded, Holberton had his hands full with a speedy Tanner English on first base looking to steal his way to second.

But the part-time catcher was well prepared, and when English made his move to second, Holberton read it like a book and caught the Gamecock runner stealing to end the inning.

Holberton’s second inning success didn’t stop there, though. After UNC’s first two batter grounded out, Holberton came to the plate with the Tar Heels down 1-0.

One pitch later, the score was 2-1.

With Michael Russell on first base, Holberton popped the first pitch thrown to him over the right field wall into a tree just outside of Boshamer Stadium.

2. What a relief

In the last month, starting pitcher Benton Moss hasn’t been playing his best baseball, having given up 13 earned runs in 15.2 innings throughout his last four appearances.

So when it came to game three of the Chapel Hill Super Regional, coaches Mike Fox and Scott Forbes had the sophomore on a short leash, and as soon as Moss got into trouble in the third inning, the Tar Heels made the move to relieve him with freshman Trent Thornton.

Though the Tar Heel closer was in early than usual, there was no lack of top-notch pitching in high-pressure situations from the young strikeout artist.

Facing 17 batters and throwing 88 pitches, Thornton earned a win by striking out four batters and only giving up one earned run.

3. Sixth-inning mistakes

Coming into game three the Gamecocks had six errors in two games — more than on would expect from a team competing for a spot in the College World Series.

And in the bottom of the sixth inning of game three the Gamecocks made their biggest error of all.

With a one-run lead and runner on the corners, Gamecock pitcher Adam Westmoreland forced first baseman Cody Stubbs to fly out to center.

But that’s just where the play began. When freshman Skye Bolt attempted to tag up and run to second, a wild throw to second base turned into an opportunity for Colin Moran to tie the game.

And he did.

Without that error, Moran likely would not have scored, and the Tar Heels likely wouldn’t have drawn a bases-loaded walk later in the inning to grab a 5-4 lead — a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.