Datres, Riley lead way for UNC baseball team in 14-2 rout of UNC-Charlotte

The North Carolina baseball team defeated UNC-Charlotte, 14-2, on Tuesday night at BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte.

What happened?

The Tar Heels (15-10, 5-4 ACC) got off to a quick start, scoring three runs in the first inning. 

After two scoreless innings, Brandon Martorano resumed the scoring in the top of the fourth. With the count at no balls, one strike, the sophomore launched the pitch to left center field for a three-run homerun, giving UNC a 6-0 lead. Martorano’s home run was his sixth of the season.

North Carolina would tack on one more run in the fourth. However, the 49ers responded in the bottom of the inning. UNCC right fielder Dominick Cammarata blasted a two-run home run to cut the Tar Heels’ lead to five.

UNC added five more runs in the fifth, including a two-run triple by junior Kyle Datres. 

North Carolina brought across two more runs in the ninth when Kip Brandenburg hit a two-run home run — his first collegiate homer. The Tar Heels would hold onto this lead, winning 14-2.

Who stood out?

Juniors Kyle Datres and Brandon Riley led the way for UNC in their dominant win. 

Datres recorded three hits, two RBIs, one walk and two runs. Most impressive, however, was his two-run triple in the fifth inning.

Similar to Datres, Riley also accounted for two RBIs. Datres added two hits and one run. 

Why does it matter?

The Tar Heels rebounded nicely from their five-run loss against Florida State on Sunday, the second of two losses against the Seminoles last weekend. 

The 12-run victory should serve as a confidence boost for North Carolina. After a shaky start to the season, it seems that UNC’s batting is beginning to takeoff.

North Carolina will try to bring the momentum from this dominant performance into their upcoming ACC series against Wake Forest.

When do they play next?

The Tar Heels will next take action on Friday evening at 6 p.m. when they open a three-game season against Wake Forest in Boshamer Stadium. 

@ballermike28

@DTHSports | sports@dailytarheel.com