A Duke error in the bottom of the 14th inning helped the Diamond Heels walk off the Blue Devils 8-7 in the longest game in the history of the rivalry.

The game went to extra innings thanks to a ninth-inning collapse by the UNC bullpen. The Diamond Heels led 7-4 entering the top of the frame, but Ryan Lynch walked the first two batters to step to the plate. Camron Seagraves relieved Lynch (who was in his second inning of work) but promptly gave up three consecutive singles to bring Duke within a run at 7-6, all without UNC recording a single out. A fielder’s choice finally recorded the first out, but also brought in the tying run. Only a double play limited the damage to just three runs and a tied score at 7-7. UNC went down in order in the bottom of the ninth, sending the contest to extras.

Seagraves returned to the mound in the 10th and was much sharper, retiring Duke in order to give his offense a chance at a walk-off win. It very nearly happened, as Jackson Van De Brake strode to the plate with two men on and two out, but a strikeout ended the threat.

More strong relief from Seagraves and Tom Chmielewski ensured the game would run into the 11th, 12th and 13th innings. Carolina once again threatened in the 13th as Kane Kepley reached third base with two outs, but Hunter Stokely flied out to center field for the third out of the inning.

Finally, in the 14th inning, UNC made good on its chance. Tyson Bass led off with a walk, then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. That brought up Alex Madera, who chopped a ground ball to the right side of the infield. The ball then took a big hop over the head of the Duke second baseman, bringing in Bass from second and ending the marathon game.

The win secures UNC’s sixth straight series win against Duke. Carolina hasn’t dropped a home series against the Blue Devils since 2009. The Diamond Heels are now 24-8 overall and 8-7 in ACC play. They’ll be back in action when they visit Elon Tuesday evening at 6 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Baseball on Twitter

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