The No. 5 North Carolina baseball team (9-0) conquered N.C. A&T (2-4), 13-4, on Wednesday evening at Boshamer Stadium.
Even though they survived to remain undefeated, the Tar Heels did not advance with speed in the opening innings. Graduate infielder Hunter Stokely, who has heavily assisted UNC to come out on top so far this season, was missing hot hits. However, other North Carolina hitters got on base when it mattered most, pushing the Diamond Heels to win with their largest lead of the season.
“Outcomes are dangerous, and I don’t get caught up in a winning streak,” head coach Scott Forbes said. “We’ll talk about it — wake up tomorrow — and do the same thing and try to get better.”
Following an early strike out for N.C. A&T in the first inning, junior outfielder Kane Kepley tripled to right field on the third pitch. Kepley scored the first run for the Tar Heels moments later when graduate infielder Alex Madera landed a sacrifice fly to go ahead, 1-0.
With a slow start for the Aggies in the beginning of the second inning, North Carolina capitalized and secured another run. Junior infielder Rom Kellis stole second then scored the second run of the game for UNC. Even with all three bases loaded with players, the Tar Heels failed to catch another run in the rest of the inning.
N.C. A&T Jason Campo's scored the first home run of the game, as the Aggies were on their way to a four run third inning to go ahead, 4-2.
After failing to match the scoring power of N.C. A&T at the bottom of the third inning, North Carolina looked to take back its lead. With bases loaded, Madera sent the ball flying high to left field and first-year outfielder Perry Hargett scored off a wild pitch.
Multiple wild pitches allowed Stokely to tie the game, 4-4.
Sophomore infielder Gavin Gallaher scored the first home run for the Tar Heels, and sent himself — and senior infielder Jackson Van De Brake — to the final plate with a 6-4 lead.
