Weekend series openers have essentially become automatic victories for the fourth-ranked UNC baseball team in 2017, as junior right-hander JB Bukauskas has been unhittable on the mound–while establishing himself near the top of this summer’s MLB Draft class.

That trend continued Friday night in Pittsburgh, with the Tar Heels defeating the Panthers 5-2 to earn their ninth series-opening win in ten tries this season.

Bukauskas improved his individual record to 7-0 while striking out eight hitters across 6.2 innings, but his biggest support came in the form of senior outfielder Tyler Lynn.

Lynn had three hits on the day, including three RBIs, as UNC (30-8, 15-4 ACC) clinched a berth in the ACC Tournament and its 20th straight season of at least 30 wins.

Pitt (16-19, 7-12 ACC) led off the home half of the first inning with a monster home run from Jacob Wright, but Bukauskas was able to regroup and then some for the Tar Heels. Following the blast, the Ashburn, Virginia native refused to allow a runner past second base until the Panthers scored their second–and final–run during the bottom of the seventh.

Meanwhile, Lynn and sophomore Brandon Riley–who also had three hits in the game–provided enough offense to provide a positive result.

Lynn kickstarted a three-run fourth inning for UNC, with an RBI single which brought Riley around to score.

The very next inning, Lynn ripped an RBI double–scoring Riley yet again. He then singled home Kyle Datres in the top of the seventh to give Bukauskas a comfortable 5-1 lead.

Freshman closer Josh Hiatt came on to relieve Bukauskas after Pitt scored its second run, tossing the final 2.1 innings to pick up his 11th save of the year.

Up Next:

UNC will look to take the series victory on Saturday, with first pitch set for 3 p.m.

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