UNC Baseball Faces a Tough Task in Super Regional

The Diamond Heels haven’t lost since the NCAA baseball tournament began. But their opponents carry an even more impressive streak into the series.

This weekend, No. 6 Carolina will host No. 11 Stetson University, who hold an 18-game winning streak. The Hatters come into Chapel Hill as a tall task for the Tar Heels to beat in order to advance.

Stetson has ridden the strength of their pitching staff this season, led by the duo of Logan Gilbert and Brooks Wilson. Gilbert, who was drafted 14th overall by the Seattle Mariners this week, is a right-handed starter who leads nation in strikeouts (169). Wilson, the veteran senior leader, is the Hatters closer and designated hitter. He’s hit a .307 batting average at the plate this season while picking up 20 saves on the mound. They’ll likely set a tough pitching tone against the Tar Heels.

Carolina head coach Mike Fox had high praise for Stetson during Thursday morning’s press conference, calling their pitching staff ‘scary.’

“Just on paper and just watching them, that’s the strength of their team,” he says. “So we’re going to have to match them on the mound for sure. And we all know the game’s predicated by the guy on the mound. He can destroy some confidence pretty quick if he’s good.”

Fox and his staff have been in super regionals before, but this is Carolina’s first one in five years. The coach commented on how despite this being Stetson’s first time ever in a super regional, it’s also all the UNC players’ first times too.

“History and tradition doesn’t do you much good right now,” Fox says. “But I like where we are offensively, we’ve gotten contributions from everybody up and down the lineup all year long.”

Depth and consistency will be needed for Carolina to top Stetson, but the Tar Heels are trending in the right direction. The team scored thirty-four runs in the regional round and Fox has players on his bench he can routinely rely on to get on-base. First baseman Michael Busch will look to follow up his Regional Most Outstanding Player honors with another strong series. The sophomore is up to 12 home runs and 61 RBIs on the season.

Senior infielder Zach Gahagan will look to stay hot too. He holds a five-game hitting streak, going 8-for-20 in that span.

Gahagan commented on how the team is handling the emotions of reaching a super regional while also preparing for a tough opponent.

“Any time you wear this color, this Carolina Blue, anybody that steps on those steps is going to play their best,” says Gahagan. “That’s what we’re used to, we’re ready for their best and we’re prepared.”

Cooper Criswell will take the mound in the first game for the Diamond Heels, with Gianluca Dalatri the expected starter for Game 2 of the best-of-three series.

UNC Baseball Prepares for Super Regional Opponent Stetson

On Air Now: 97.9 FM