Looking to complete a rare series sweep on the road Sunday afternoon, the fourth-ranked UNC baseball team was on the verge of an impressive comeback against the Pittsburgh Panthers–but couldn’t quite seal the deal in an 11-9 loss.

UNC (31-9 16-5 ACC) put the tying runs on base with one out in the ninth inning, but Pitt reliever Sam Mersing put away Kyle Datres and Brandon Riley to end the game.

Riley and junior centerfielder Brian Miller each homered for the Tar Heels–with Riley’s three-run blast helping the team open up a 4-0 lead in the top half of the first inning.

Pitt (17-20, 8-13 ACC) then reeled off the next 10 runs, including five in the third frame against the combination of Austin Bergner and Rodney Hutchison.

It was the most runs the vaunted UNC pitching staff has allowed all season long, which–through 40 games–is a testament to the Tar Heels’ consistency in that department this year.

Miller’s solo shot in the seventh inning gave UNC some life, but Pitt then countered with another run of its own in the home half of the inning.

Trailing by six runs entering the ninth, the Tar Heels had six consecutive hitters reach base–including a two-run double by Miller–following Tyler Lynn’s leadoff groundout.

The Panthers were then able to shut the door, however, which kept their hopes of qualifying for the ACC Tournament alive.

UNC still holds a four-game lead over Virginia at the top of the league’s Coastal Division.

Up Next:

The Tar Heels will host Elon at home on Tuesday.

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