After a relatively rocky start to its season, the North Carolina baseball team locked it in this weekend, completing its second sweep on the year.
In its closest game of the series on Saturday, the Tar Heels (12-8, 4-2 ACC) defeated Pittsburgh, 4-0, thanks to an outstanding performance from sophomore pitcher Austin Bergner and timely runs in the early innings.
The Tar Heels started Saturday's contest strong with Bergner allowing just one hit in the first inning. In the bottom of the first, a hit from senior Zack Gahagan sent sophomore Michael Busch to score the first run of the day for North Carolina.
The second inning was quick as both teams went three-up, three-down. The Tar Heels, however, almost found themselves in trouble early in the third.
After striking out the first batter of the third inning, Bergner walked the second and committed an error against the third, which brought the runners to the corners. And later, a walk loaded the bases in the inning — with only one out.
Bases were loaded as the next hitter took to the plate, but Bergner was not fazed. He struck out the next two batters and ended the inning with no earned runs, stranding three on base.
After closing the inning, the atmosphere changed for the Tar Heels and the pace of the game increased. North Carolina dominated the remainder of the game.
Bergner prevailed at the mound, pitching eight shutout innings, allowing only four hits, and striking out 12 Panthers batters — a career high. When asked about his team's overall performance, Bergner credited the environment of the dugout and the energy of the team for its success on both Friday and Saturday against Pittsburgh.
“We were really ready to roll as soon as the first pitch on Friday was thrown,” Bergner said. “I really think that carried on to today.”
