Bullpen Collapses Again as UNC Baseball Loses Another Late Lead

Groundhog Day may have been more than four months ago, but UNC baseball fans at Boshamer Stadium may have felt like they were in a time loop Saturday night. The Diamond Heels held a slim 2-1 lead over Boston College in the top of the eighth inning, but eight Eagle runs in the eighth and ninth gave BC a 9-4 win and Carolina another gut-punch defeat.

The loss spoiled a fantastic effort by starter Connor Bovair on the mound. Bovair went 7.1 strong innings while allowing just five hits, leaving in line for the win. Unfortunately, the next two UNC pitchers failed to record an out and let in three Eagle runs (one of which was tacked on Bovair’s final line). Nelson Berkwich was saddled with the loss. He sports an ugly 9.31 earned run average on the season. Nik Pry, Cameron Padgett and Will Sandy each allowed at least one run in the final 1.2 innings as well, and each pitcher’s season ERA is well over 5.

Carolina is still No. 18 in the national rankings, though that number is likely to disappear after Sunday’s series finale at noon. The Tar Heels likely aren’t quite on the outside looking in at the NCAA Tournament as of yet, but are ensured of another ACC series loss at home due to BC’s wins Friday and Saturday. They have only two wins over ranked teams this season and have not won a series against a ranked opponent. It seems the chase for that elusive first national championship in baseball will likely wait another year, at least.

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications

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Bullpen Collapses Again as UNC Baseball Loses Another Late Lead

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