UNC Baseball’s Exciting Road Trip: Catch the Action in Pittsburgh!

Tar Heels Ready for Pitt Showdown

The North Carolina Tar Heels are gearing up for their next challenge against the Pittsburgh Panthers. This will mark the 10th meeting between the teams since they became conference rivals in 2014. So far, Carolina has won six of their nine weekend games this season and boasts an overall record of 20-11. Their last visit to Pittsburgh was in 2021.

Currently, the Tar Heels are riding an impressive eight-game winning streak against Pitt, with the latest victory being a solid 12-2 win during last year’s ACC tournament.

Upcoming Game Schedule:

• Game 1: Friday, April 25 at 6 PM
• Game 2: Saturday, April 26 at 3 PM
• Game 3: Sunday, April 27 at 1 PM
• Watch on ACCNX
• Listen at GoHeels.com/WCHL

Team Overview

• North Carolina Tar Heels (31-9, 13-8 ACC)

  • Head Coach: Scott Forbes
  • Career record at UNC: 185-98 (5th season)
  • Head-to-head record vs. Pitt: 9-3
• Pittsburgh Panthers (19-19, 5-13 ACC)
  • Head Coach: Mike Bell
  • Career record at Pitt: 151-166 (7th season)
  • Head-to-head record vs. UNC: 5-10

Recent Performance Insights

Last weekend, Carolina faced Virginia Tech, securing their fifth straight series win in the ACC. They achieved victories on both Friday and Sunday in Blacksburg. Captain Jake Knapp shined, racking up eight wins this season, demonstrating his skills with a stellar performance of 5.1 innings pitched along with seven strikeouts in the first game. The Heels also showcased resilience, turning around a tough loss on Saturday to claim victory in the final game of the series. They managed an impressive 10 hits and nine walks, marking the sixth time this season the team has excelled in those categories.

Interestingly, UNC has shown a striking improvement at the plate, with eight double-digit hit games in their last nine outings, a significant increase compared to only 14 in the first 31 games.

Player Highlights

Carolina’s shortstop is making waves. In the last nine games, he’s hitting .515 with notable stats including eight runs, six RBIs, and nine walks. He recently achieved a walk-off single against Duke, sealing a four-hit game that showcased his prowess.

Another key player, Captain Vandy, has also stepped up since moving to the two-hole in the lineup, averaging .429 with a remarkable total of 18 hits in just nine games. His presence has energized the team following the NCAA’s eligibility ruling last December, which allowed him another playing season.

Pitching Strengths

The Tar Heels have a robust pitching staff, leading the ACC in several key metrics including ERA and strikeouts. Knapp stands out with a 1.66 ERA and seven wins, dominating the strikeout charts as well. This performance has made Carolina’s pitching lineup one of the most formidable in the league, and they’re gaining national recognition for their skills.

Return of Jake Knapp

The return of Jake Knapp to the rotation has been a game-changer. After a serious arm injury that sidelined him for over 600 days, he made a powerful return on opening day 2025, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the team. His ability to lead from the mound is seen as a crucial factor in the team’s success, making him a player to watch in upcoming games.

Through teamwork and determination, the Tar Heels are not only aiming for victory against the Panthers but also solidifying their spot as serious contenders in the ACC. This high-stakes matchup promises to be an exciting showdown for fans and players alike.

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