Three-run homer lifts UNC baseball to series-clinching win against Seton Hall

Behind an explosive second inning, the No. 12 North Carolina baseball team (2-1) defeated the Seton Hall Pirates (1-2), 4-2, Sunday afternoon at Boshamer Stadium.

What happened?

Connor Bovair earned the start on the mound for the Tar Heels, and the junior pitcher made quick work in the first frame, retiring the first three Pirate batters. North Carolina was unable to capitalize on its strong start and the first inning went scoreless.

The Tar Heels found their groove in UNC’s next offensive frame. Junior first baseman Hunter Stokely and sophomore shortstop Patrick Alvarez both drew walks to earn a pair base runners for North Carolina. Shortly after, junior second baseman Jackson Van De Brake lifted a three-run blast over the left-field wall to give UNC its first lead.

But Van De Brake’s home run was not the final scoring play for North Carolina in the second inning. Sophomore Vance Honeycutt blistered an RBI triple into the right-field gap to extend the Diamond Heels’ edge to 4-0.

After a scoreless third inning, Seton Hall chipped into its deficit. Zack Sylvester eventually advanced to third after a stolen base and North Carolina error. The junior left fielder was soon driven home after Alex Clyde’s RBI fielder's choice. In the same inning, lead-off man Will Gale’s single cut UNC’s lead in half. 

North Carolina appeared to respond well to the Pirates’ push, as in the bottom half of the inning, junior shortstop Colby Wilkerson lined a single to left field. But any signs of a Diamond Heel run were ceased after junior third baseman Mac Horvath chopped into a double play. 

Seton Hall’s pair of runs in the fourth proved to be the final scoring frame of the afternoon, as both teams went cold at the plate. Despite the Pirates matching North Carolina in hits, the Diamond Heels would prevail, 4-2.

Who stood out? 

In his first career start, Van De Brake’s slugger helped open up the Diamond Heels’ scoring. With a pair of runners on base and two outs, the junior second baseman’s home run sailed over the left-field wall to give UNC an early lead. 

Moreover, Wilkerson had his most productive day at the plate this season for North Carolina. The nine-hole hitter drew a pair of walks and chopped a single into left field during the fourth inning.

When was it decided?

For the first time in the series, North Carolina jumped out to an early lead. After a scoreless first, Van De Brake’s three-run blast highlighted a frame that saw the Diamond Heels plated four runs. 

Despite a brief push from Seton Hall  — seen in the Pirates’ two-run fourth inning — the Diamond Heels’ bullpen helped fend off the visitors' attack. 

Why does it matter?

After dropping the series opener, the Tar Heels churned out two straight wins to prevail in their first series of the year. In the process, North Carolina found a plethora of serviable arms out of the bullpen — an early sign of things to come for the Diamond Heels’ pitching staff.

With North Carolina’s next series slated against No. 11 East Carolina, having a collection of pitchers to roll out will play a major role into whether the Diamond Heels can secure an upset.

When do they play next?

The Diamond Heels return to Boshamer Stadium to host Radford Tuesday night. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.

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