One of the Diamond Heels’ best hitters will not play in Carolina’s Super Regional elimination game against Arkansas Sunday. Third baseman Mac Horvath is out after having appendix surgery Saturday night, following UNC’s Game 1 loss.

“Mac Horvath had successful emergency appendectomy surgery… he is recovering and will not play against Arkansas on Sunday,” the program said in a statement.

Horvath had previously established himself as head coach Scott Forbes’ No. 2 hitter in the lineup, clubbing 18 home runs and collecting 53 RBI. He hit a pair of home runs in Carolina’s regional victory against Hofstra last weekend.

Starting at third base in Horvath’s place is Johnny Castagnozzi, who will play the position for the first time in his Carolina career. Hunter Stokely starts at first base. Vance Honeycutt, normally the cleanup hitter, was elevated to the No. 2 spot in the lineup for Sunday’s game.

No timetable has been set for Horvath’s return.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications

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