Same story. Different day.

In front of the home crowd at Boshamer Stadium, the fourth-ranked UNC baseball team used a late rally to defeat the No. 3 Clemson Tigers in a crucial top-five showdown between two of the ACC’s best.

After scoring five runs in the seventh inning to win on Friday, the Tar Heels (35-9, 17-6 ACC) used a four-run eighth inning on Saturday to slip past the Tigers (34-10, 16-7 ACC) for a 5-4 victory.

Clemson held a 3-1 lead after the second inning, but UNC freshman starter Gianluca Dalatri settled down and kept the Tigers off the scoreboard for the next five frames.

Dalatri struck eight out Tigers during his time on the mound, but ultimately would not factor into the decision.

After Clemson extended its lead to 4-1 with a sacrifice fly from Seth Beer in the top of the eighth, the Tar Heels were down to their final six outs.

Junior centerfielder Brian Miller then grounded out to start the frame, but UNC then reeled off five consecutive singles–while also receiving help it received from a wild pitch by Tigers’ reliever Ryley Gillian.

The first two singles from Logan Warmoth and Ashton McGee–hits that chased starter Alex Eubanks from the game–preceded Gillian’s miscue.

Kyle Datres, Brandon Riley and Cody Roberts each took advantage of the situation with RBI singles–with the streak finally ending when Tyler Lynn drew a walk.

UNC scored the fourth–and final–run of the game-changing rally on a sacrifice fly from junior Zack Gahagan.

With the momentum completely on their side, the Tar Heels then sealed the deal in the top of the ninth with a 1-2-3 inning from freshman closer Josh Hiatt–his 13th save of the season.

Just like that, UNC completed its second straight comeback victory over one of the best teams in America. The win also clinched the team’s eighth consecutive ACC series win and puts the Tar Heels in prime position to earn a top-eight national seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Up Next:

UNC will go for the sweep over Clemson on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.

 

FINAL BOX SCORE

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