Baseball is weird. One day, you’re down 18-2 and wondering what hit you. The next, you’re celebrating a gritty 10-8 victory that breathes life back into your postseason dreams. That’s exactly where the Arizona Wildcats find themselves after bouncing back to beat No. 5 North Carolina in Game 2 of the Chapel Hill Super Regional.
Saturday’s contest wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Arizona showed grit, hustle, and a whole lot of two-out magic to claw past a talented UNC team and force a Sunday showdown that will decide who punches their ticket to the College World Series.
Let’s unpack everything that went down in this epic battle.
⚾️ Game Recap: Arizona vs UNC – A Slugfest to Remember
First-Inning Friction: Wildcats Strike First
Just like Friday, Arizona wasted no time getting on the board. But this time, they weren’t going down without a fight. Capitalizing on a defensive miscue and a sacrifice fly, the Wildcats jumped out early.
- UNC’s defense shifted, allowing two early runners.
- One crossed home on a sacrifice fly to make it 1-0.
For a team that gave up 18 runs the day before, Arizona looked like a team reborn.
Sam Angelo’s Bomb and UNC’s Early Confidence
UNC quickly countered. Designated hitter Sam Angelo launched his fourth home run of the NCAA Tournament (and sixth of the season), a towering 2-RBI shot in the second inning.
“It’s a feeling you chase all season,” said Angelo postgame. “I just wanted to help us strike first.”
Luke Stevenson added an RBI double, and Gavin Gallaher chipped in a sac groundout. By the fourth inning, UNC was up 4-2 and looking confident.
🔁 Back-and-Forth Brilliance
Arizona’s Two-Out Masterclass
Here’s where Arizona flipped the script—again and again. Six of their ten runs came with two outs, proving how clutch this team could be under pressure.
- Tommy Splaine: 2 hits, 2 RBIs, including a solo homer on a 3-2 pitch.
- Maddox Mihalakis: 2-for-5 with 3 RBIs.
- Arizona finished with 16 total hits—the most UNC’s pitching has allowed all season.
“We’ve lost on Fridays before,” Arizona coach Chip Hale said. “We’re not panicking. This team knows how to bounce back.”
Tyson Bass Answers for UNC
Down 6-4 in the seventh, UNC’s Tyson Bass gave Tar Heel fans a jolt of hope with a three-run homer over the left-field wall, flipping the lead back to UNC, 7-6.
UNC then extended it to 8-6 after a bases-loaded walk by Jackson Van De Brake. But the lead was short-lived.
🧨 The Turning Point: Arizona Doesn’t Blink
Wildcat Rally, Tar Heel Trouble
Arizona stormed back in the seventh and eighth innings. Errors, misplaced pitches, and missed opportunities plagued the Tar Heels, while the Wildcats stayed laser-focused.
- UNC left 13 runners on base.
- Finished just 2 of 14 with runners in scoring position (.143).
Despite UNC’s firepower, they simply couldn’t shut the door.
📉 Pitching Woes Sink Tar Heels
Jason DeCaro Struggles Early
Sophomore pitcher Jason DeCaro didn’t have his best stuff. He gave up 7 hits in just 3⅔ innings and recorded zero strikeouts—just the second time that’s happened this year.
“We just weren’t putting pitches where we needed to,” UNC coach Scott Forbes admitted. “Against good teams, that’s fatal.”
Walker McDuffie’s Short Outing
Freshman phenom Walker McDuffie lasted less than an inning, giving up 4 runs and walking 3. It was a tough day for UNC’s usually sharp bullpen.
🧠 Coaching Corner: What the Skippers Had to Say
Chip Hale (Arizona)
“This is why you play the game. We’ve got tough kids who don’t fold.”
Hale praised his team’s composure and ability to “get hot when it counts.”
Scott Forbes (UNC)
“We had our chances, but they took better advantage of theirs.”
Forbes also confirmed that Ryan Lynch is expected to start Game 3, but he’s ready to deploy “everyone with a heartbeat” from the bullpen.
📊 Key Stats from Game 2
| Team | Runs | Hits | Errors | Runners Left On Base |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 10 | 16 | 1 | 7 |
| North Carolina | 8 | 12 | 2 | 13 |
🗓️ What’s Next: Game 3 Preview
The final game will take place Sunday at Noon (ET) at Boshamer Stadium. Winner advances to the College World Series.
Both teams have depth, talent, and motivation—but only one moves on. Who wants it more?
🤔 FAQ Section
1. When is the next UNC vs Arizona game?
The final game of the Chapel Hill Super Regional is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, at 12:00 PM ET.
2. Who hit home runs in Game 2?
UNC’s Sam Angelo and Tyson Bass, along with Arizona’s Tommy Splaine, each hit home runs.
3. How did Arizona force Game 3?
Arizona bounced back with a 10-8 win, powered by 16 hits and clutch two-out hitting.
4. What channel is broadcasting the Super Regional?
The NCAA Super Regionals are typically aired on the ESPN family of networks. Check local listings for availability.
📣 Final Thoughts
Saturday’s game had all the makings of a classic. Momentum swings, home runs, emotional comebacks—you name it. Arizona’s ability to fight back after a crushing Game 1 loss shows their mental toughness, while UNC’s explosive lineup remains a threat to anyone.
Sunday promises to be a wild ride. Don’t blink. You might miss something incredible.
Share your predictions for Game 3 in the comments below! ⚾🔥
