The Diamond Heels lost their fifth consecutive ACC game Friday afternoon, falling 7-0 to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. It’s UNC’s first shutout loss in conference play since 2021.

Carolina’s explosive offense, which scored 18 runs against UNC-Wilmington on Tuesday, was nowhere to be found. The Tar Heels managed a season-low five hits against the Hokies, and no batter had more than one. Vance Honeycutt, Jackson Van De Brake and Tomas Frick each went hitless. Mac Horvath and Casey Cook, two of Carolina’s most consistent hitters this season, combined to go just 2-8 at the dish Friday.

Connor Bovair, appearing for the first time as UNC’s top starting pitcher, went seven innings but had to labor to do so. Bovair allowed five runs on eight hits and walked two batters before giving way to Will Sandy for the eighth. Bovair was saddled with his second loss of the season.

Another loss in Blacksburg would send UNC to its third consecutive series loss in ACC play. Carolina is already reeling after dropping a home series to Miami and being swept by Boston College for the first time ever, and Friday’s performance didn’t do much to raise spirits around the clubhouse. Saturday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Joe Bray

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