Diamond Heels Set for Showdown with East Carolina
The Tar Heels are gearing up for their annual home-neutral-home series against in-state rivals, the East Carolina Pirates. This exciting series kicks off on Friday and promises to deliver some thrilling baseball action.
Schedule
- Game 1: Friday, Feb. 20 - Greenville, N.C. - 5 PM ET
- Game 2: Saturday, Feb. 21 - Durham, N.C. - 2 PM ET
- Game 3: Sunday, Feb. 22 - Chapel Hill - 1 PM ET
Team Overview
The No. 10 North Carolina Tar Heels, led by Head Coach Scott Forbes, are off to a flying start with a 5-0 record.
Forbes, in his sixth season, has compiled an impressive 205-104 record at UNC. The Tar Heels are looking to improve their 7-7 record against ECU.
On the other side, East Carolina, under the guidance of Cliff Godwin, holds a 2-3 record. Godwin, now in his 12th season, boasts a 434-217-1 record at ECU and a 10-12 record against UNC.
First Pitch
This series marks the third season of the current format, with UNC leading 4-2. The Tar Heels have shown dominance in Chapel Hill and have also secured wins in neutral and away settings. Returning to the DBAP is significant for Carolina, a venue where they've clinched three of their 27 conference titles.
Midweek Victories
The Tar Heels are coming off two impressive midweek wins. They dominated Richmond with a 10-0 run-rule victory, highlighted by Rom Kellis's dramatic score on a wild pitch. Jake Schaffner and Macon Winslow were the stars, each launching three-run homers.
The following day, UNC faced a tougher challenge against Longwood. Despite an early four-run lead, the Lancers fought back, but effective pitching kept the Tar Heels ahead, securing their fifth win of the season.
Fresh Faces in the Lineup
With a significant portion of last year's offense to replace, new players are stepping up. Jake Schaffner, the new shortstop from North Dakota State, is leading the charge with a .421 batting average. He's joined by Georgia State transfers Colin Hynek and Michael Maginnis, who have made their presence felt with timely hits.
Hynek's memorable triple against Indiana was a standout moment, part of Carolina's impressive four triples in their first two games. Duke transfer Macon Winslow has also made an impact, delivering clutch hits, including an 11th-inning walk-off homer against Indiana.
Looking Back
Last year's series against ECU was a decisive win for the Tar Heels, marking their first series victory over the Pirates since 2022. Despite a rain delay shifting the schedule, UNC showcased their depth and resilience. Jason DeCaro and Walker McDuffie were pivotal in securing a 2-0 win, while Folger Boaz's return from injury was marked by a strong performance.
As the series approaches, all eyes are on the Tar Heels to see if they can maintain their momentum and continue their winning ways against East Carolina.