Starting pitcher Jason DeCaro logged a season-high seven shutout innings against Virginia Tech Friday night, and the Diamond Heels cruised to an 8-1 victory in the first of a three-game series against the Hokies.

Carolina scored one run in the first inning, three in the third, two in the fourth and one in the fifth and seventh in support of its ace. Every batter reached base at least once, with Parks Harber collecting three hits — including a three-run blast in the third. An RBI triple from Alex Madera and an RBI single from Colby Wilkerson in the fourth broke the game open, and Hokie miscues in the later innings added to the lead; Carolina’s final two runs came on a bases-loaded walk and a wild pitch.

Virginia Tech’s only run came on a solo shot in the top of the ninth. Dalton Pence worked the evening’s final two innings, and the home run was the only hit he allowed while striking out four. Pence’s 1.82 earned run average is the lowest among Tar Heel relievers with at least five appearances.

The victory improves Carolina to 32-10 overall and 16-6 in conference play. UNC is three games ahead of second-place Duke in the ACC Coastal Division standings, 3.5 games ahead of Virginia and four games ahead of the Hokies. Saturday’s second game of the series is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Baseball on Twitter

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