After a scrappy 11-inning performance, the Diamond Heels (7-3) narrowly escaped an upset, defeating Stony Brook 3-2.
What happened?
Junior right-hander Max Carlson earned the start for the Diamond Heels Friday. Despite a lead-off single, a pick-off at third base by junior catcher Tomas Frick highlighted a scoreless first for the Tar Heels defensively.
Consecutive one-out walks to junior third baseman Mac Horvath and junior second baseman Jackson Van De Brake signaled early command issues for Stony Brook starter Jared Bellissimo. However, UNC came up empty, stranding runners on first and second in the bottom of the first inning.
Carlson then silenced the seawolves' bats, manufacturing a one-two-three second with a pair of strikeouts.
Welcomed by a roar of applause, junior first baseman Johnny Castagnozzi made his season debut at the plate for the Diamond Heels following a shoulder injury. North Carolina induced hard contact, including a single by junior right-fielder Patrick Alvarez, but did not put runs on the board in the second.
Max Carlson continued his strong outing with a three up, three down third frame. Frick contributed defensively with a strong throw to deny a bunt-hit for Stony Brook.
UNC broke through offensively in the bottom of the fourth inning, as junior shortstop Colby Wilkerson knocked in junior designated-hitter Alberto Osuna with a liner over Stony Brook’s shortstop. North Carolina showed exceptional discipline at the plate backing up the 1-0 score.
After conceding his first walk and back-to-back hits, Carlson navigated through adversity in the fifth, escaping a bases loaded jam and preserving UNC’s 1-run advantage.