The Diamond Heels clinched a series win against NC State Friday night at Boshamer Stadium, using a terrific start from Max Carlson to cruise to a 9-3 win.

Carlson was making his first start since returning from a brief stint in the bullpen, and didn’t waste any time making an impression on head coach Scott Forbes. Carlson logged a career-high 7.2 innings while allowing just two runs on three hits and no walks. He struck out four and threw exactly 100 pitches.

The Carolina offense showed out in support of its once and future ace, scoring the game’s first six runs and never looking back. The Tar Heels scored at least once in five consecutive innings between the third and seventh. Mac Horvath launched his 21st home run of the season (and seventh in his last nine games) as part of the salvo, though much of the damage done came without the use of a bat. Carolina scored three runs in the seventh without recording a hit, instead using a hit batter and five consecutive walks to blow the game open.

Six Tar Heels recorded at least one RBI, with Johnny Castagnozzi leading the way with three. Leadoff hitter Casey Cook logged a 3-5 outing with a pair of RBI to raise his batting average to a team-high .352. Horvath’s home run came as part of a 2-5 night; the junior from Minnesota is now batting .322.

The victory clinches Carolina’s second consecutive ACC series victory and improves the team’s conference record to 13-11 and its overall record to 32-17. The Tar Heels have won six of their last seven games and also six of their last seven against NC State. They’ll look to keep that trend going Saturday in the sold-out series finale, scheduled for 2 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Andy Mead

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