Heartbreaking Loss: Carolina Rally Stalls as Wolfpack Claims Victory, 8-5

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – In a thrilling matchup, No. 4 North Carolina fought back from a four-run deficit against No. 16 NC State but ultimately lost 8-5 on Friday night.

The Tar Heels (37-11, 16-10 ACC) struggled to find their rhythm early but got going in the seventh inning with two impressive home runs. Captain Jackson Van De Brake launched a powerful two-run shot to left field, cutting the lead in half. Not long after, catcher Luke Stevenson hit a towering 412-foot homer to center, marking his 16th of the season. This feat is particularly notable as it made him the Carolina catcher with the most home runs this century, surpassing Chris Ianetta’s 15 in 2004.

As the game progressed into the eighth inning, the Heels faced a critical moment with two outs. Sam Angelo, coming off the bench, delivered a crucial double down the left field line. Following him, Carter French and Kane Kepley each contributed RBI singles, bringing the game to a 5-5 tie. Kepley shined again, recording three hits for the second consecutive game, along with a run and an RBI.

North Carolina cycled through seven pitchers during the game, with Camron Seagraves shining on the mound, allowing just one hit and no runs over 2.2 innings. However, the ninth inning proved challenging, as NC State scored three runs to seal their victory, marking only the second time this season the Heels have allowed a game-winning run in the final inning.

These back-and-forth moments highlight the intensity of college baseball. As Southern baseball powerhouse programs, North Carolina and NC State continue a fierce rivalry that brings excitement to fans and players alike.

Tonight’s result sets the stage for a deciding game in this series. Carolina has performed well in such situations, winning 9 of their 11 series deciders this season. The next game is at Boshamer Stadium on Sunday, May 11, at 1 p.m. ET, with coverage available on the ACC Network.

With college baseball heating up, fans are eagerly watching to see how teams respond under pressure. Statistically, close games like this can shape team dynamics and strategies going into the postseason. The ability to come back, as North Carolina demonstrated, reflects a team’s resilience—a quality often discussed by coaches and analysts as vital for success at this level.

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