CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – On Tuesday night, the Diamond Heels faced off against Kansas State and came out on top, winning 12-9 in a thrilling game at Boshamer Stadium. This match featured five lead changes and kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Tar Heels (4-0, 0-0 ACC) showcased their resilience by responding quickly every time the Wildcats took the lead. They never let an inning end with Kansas State ahead, demonstrating their determination.
In their first at-bat, the Tar Heels found themselves down two runs. But, they quickly reclaimed the lead. Six consecutive players connected safely, starting with Tyson Bass and ending with Alex Madera, allowing them to score four runs and chase the Kansas State pitcher.
Once again trailing, Luke Stevenson stepped up in the sixth inning. He hit a sharp single past the shifted shortstop, tying the game by bringing Kane Kepley home from second base. Stevenson had a standout game, finishing with two hits, three RBIs, and even catching a runner trying to steal.
The seventh inning proved crucial. With two outs and two runners on base, Hunter Stokely hit a solid ball past third base, evening the score at 6-6. Then Bass came through with another single, driving in two runs to put UNC ahead. Stevenson followed up with another well-placed hit, securing the Tar Heels’ lead. In the eighth, Madera and Gavin Gallaher added two more RBIs to cement the win.
North Carolina coach Scott Forbes values talent over experience when selecting players. He sticks to his belief that the best players will take the field, regardless of age. This strategy is already paying off this season.
Notably, true freshman Camron Seagraves achieved his first college win against the Wildcats in only his second game. All four pitchers used by North Carolina so far this season are underclassmen, highlighting the team’s young talent.
While the pitching staff is young, the offense features seasoned players. Sixth-year senior Madera leads the team with an impressive .417 batting average and a .529 on-base percentage early in the season.
Looking ahead, North Carolina is set to face their rivals, East Carolina. Their first game will be in Greenville on Friday at 5 p.m. ET. The series continues with a Saturday matchup in Durham at 12:30 p.m. and concludes at Boshamer Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Tar Heels (4-0, 0-0 ACC) showcased their resilience by responding quickly every time the Wildcats took the lead. They never let an inning end with Kansas State ahead, demonstrating their determination.
In their first at-bat, the Tar Heels found themselves down two runs. But, they quickly reclaimed the lead. Six consecutive players connected safely, starting with Tyson Bass and ending with Alex Madera, allowing them to score four runs and chase the Kansas State pitcher.
Once again trailing, Luke Stevenson stepped up in the sixth inning. He hit a sharp single past the shifted shortstop, tying the game by bringing Kane Kepley home from second base. Stevenson had a standout game, finishing with two hits, three RBIs, and even catching a runner trying to steal.
The seventh inning proved crucial. With two outs and two runners on base, Hunter Stokely hit a solid ball past third base, evening the score at 6-6. Then Bass came through with another single, driving in two runs to put UNC ahead. Stevenson followed up with another well-placed hit, securing the Tar Heels’ lead. In the eighth, Madera and Gavin Gallaher added two more RBIs to cement the win.
North Carolina coach Scott Forbes values talent over experience when selecting players. He sticks to his belief that the best players will take the field, regardless of age. This strategy is already paying off this season.
Notably, true freshman Camron Seagraves achieved his first college win against the Wildcats in only his second game. All four pitchers used by North Carolina so far this season are underclassmen, highlighting the team’s young talent.
While the pitching staff is young, the offense features seasoned players. Sixth-year senior Madera leads the team with an impressive .417 batting average and a .529 on-base percentage early in the season.
Looking ahead, North Carolina is set to face their rivals, East Carolina. Their first game will be in Greenville on Friday at 5 p.m. ET. The series continues with a Saturday matchup in Durham at 12:30 p.m. and concludes at Boshamer Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.
