After an 18-2 start to the season, the North Carolina baseball team entered its final two games of April with a 6-11 record this month.
With a weekend break for final exams looming, Coach Mike Fox didn’t know what his team’s mindset would be with postseason play just around the bend.
But on the heels of a walk-off win over UNC-Wilmington, the Tar Heels showed their coach they’re ready to put their April struggles behind them, defeating Campbell 9-4 on Wednesday at Boshamer Stadium.
After both teams failed to score in the first inning, shortstop Logan Warmoth came to the plate with no outs and a runner on base in the bottom of the second. On a 2-2 pitch, the sophomore hit a two-run home run to left field.
Warmoth’s home run jump-started UNC’s offense, as the Tar Heels (28-15) scored seven total runs between the second and fourth innings.
Meanwhile, North Carolina starter Rodney Hutchison kept the Camels (22-21) off the scoreboard, pitching five scoreless innings before running into trouble in the bottom of the sixth.
The first-year loaded the bases with one out before hitting a batter and allowing a two-run single, cutting UNC’s lead to 7-3.
The Tar Heels turned to reliever Brett Daniels with runners on first and second base, looking to escape the inning with their four-run lead intact. And with a strikeout and a groundout, he ended Campbell’s scoring threat.
The sophomore carried his momentum into the next two innings, striking out three batters and not allowing any players on base.