The Diamond Heels scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning on their way to a 9-4 win against Indiana in the season opener at Boshamer Stadium Friday.

UNC’s big inning broke open what had been a close game, as Indiana had scored two runs in the top of the sixth to answer Carolina’s three-run bottom of the fifth inning. The teams hadn’t scored in the first four frames.

North Dakota State transfer Jake Schaffner got the scoring started for UNC, bringing home Cooper Nicholson on a sacrifice fly to score the Diamond Heels’ first run of 2026. Team captain Gavin Gallaher brought home two more later in the inning with a triple down the left field line.

Schaffner was at it again in the sixth, hitting a triple of his own to bring home Colin Hynek after Tyler Howe and Hynek had each recorded RBI doubles. Schaffner then came around to score on a wild pitch.

On the mound, starting pitcher Jason DeCaro logged five shutout innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out seven Hoosiers. Caden Glauber, Walker McDuffie, Boston Flannery and Cameron Padgett combined for the final 12 outs of the game.

Friday’s win marks the third consecutive season Carolina has won its opening game. The Diamond Heels will return to the field Saturday to play a doubleheader against the Hoosiers, with the first game beginning at 12 p.m. and the second beginning approximately one hour after the first game’s conclusion. The doubleheader was scheduled to avoid inclement weather on Sunday.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications

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