A three-run lead turned into a five-run deficit over the course of a catastrophic eighth inning for the Diamond Heels Tuesday night, as visiting Coastal Carolina plated eight runs on its way to a 12-7 victory at Boshamer Stadium.

The wild inning saw pitcher Kevin Eaise, who had been rolling since the fourth inning, quickly strike out the first Chanticleer batter before the wheels came off. The next two batters homered and walked, and Eaise was pulled in favor of Nelson Berkwich. Berkwich was unable to record an out, instead hitting a batter and giving up an RBI double which cut the UNC lead to 7-6. Matt Poston relieved Berkwich, only to allow two consecutive walks. The first free pass took all of 13 pitches, and the second tied the game.

Will Sandy relieved Poston, but gave up consecutive RBI hits to make the score 10-7 in favor of Coastal Carolina. Ben Peterson came in for Sandy and allowed yet another pair of runs to score before finally ending the misery. Thirteen Chanticleers came to bat in the inning.

Needless to say, the shell-shocked Tar Heels couldn’t muster any more offense in the final two innings. The loss is UNC’s seventh on the year, and the fifth in which the team held a lead in the seventh inning or later. Carolina will be back in action on Friday as it kicks off a weekend series at Notre Dame. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Ainsley E. Fauth


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