Updated
Updated · 247Sports · Jun 21
North Carolina Faces 2nd Elimination Test After 9-3 CWS Finals Loss to Oklahoma
Updated
Updated · 247Sports · Jun 21

North Carolina Faces 2nd Elimination Test After 9-3 CWS Finals Loss to Oklahoma

3 articles · Updated · 247Sports · Jun 21

Summary

  • Game 2 at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday will decide whether North Carolina can extend the College World Series finals after Oklahoma's 9-3 win put the Tar Heels on the brink.
  • Scott Forbes told his team to treat the championship like another weekend series and forget Game 1 quickly, leaning on a pattern of rebounds after opening losses to Boston College, Clemson and USC.
  • Jason DeCaro's 3.2-inning start set the tone Saturday, with seven runs allowed on seven hits before UNC's offense managed only three hits after the second inning.
  • UNC's bottom half went 1-for-15 with five strikeouts, but Forbes said he still trusts that group and plans no change in message or routine before the season's do-or-die game.

Insights

Why do betting odds favor North Carolina after their blowout loss in the championship opener?
Can a sophomore pitcher and a struggling lineup deliver for UNC in a must-win championship game?
Is a coach's calm psychological approach enough to fix glaring pitching and hitting woes?