Jake Knapp threw the first complete game of his UNC career as the Diamond Heels beat No. 2 Florida State 8-3 in the first game of a critical three-game series in Tallahassee Thursday night.

A week after being pulled in the top of the ninth inning against NC State, Knapp finished the job against the Seminoles with four hits and three runs allowed, seven strikeouts and no walks while throwing 115 pitches. It’s the seventh straight start in which Knapp has thrown at least 100 pitches. He is now 11-0 on the season with a 2.14 ERA.

Knapp’s run support came quickly, as Gavin Gallaher launched a solo home run against Seminole ace Jamie Arnold in the top of the second inning to give Carolina a 1-0 lead. The lead grew to 4-0 in the fifth after Jackson Van De Brake tripled to bring home Kane Kepley and Carter French, then came home himself on a sacrifice fly from Gallaher.

Van De Brake, who shares the UNC captaincy with Knapp, was at it again in a four-run sixth which broke the game open. After a safety squeeze bunt from Reece Holbrook and a sacrifice fly from Kepley brought home the first two runs, Van De Brake took flight with a rocket over the left field fence. The two-run shot was Van De Brake’s fifth home run of the season.

It was more than enough cushion for Knapp, who gave up a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth but promptly retired 11 consecutive Seminole batters to end the game, sealing another sparkling performance for the UNC ace and likely ACC Pitcher of the Year.

The win improves UNC to 38-11 overall and 17-10 in ACC play. The Diamond Heels will look to clinch the series against the Seminoles when they face off in Game 2 Friday night at 7 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications

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