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2017 NCAA Tournament: UNC vs Davidson preview

By Bryson Gordon

Jun 28, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; General view of the game between the Arizona Wildcats and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in game two of the College World Series championship series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; General view of the game between the Arizona Wildcats and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in game two of the College World Series championship series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the Chapel Hill regional kicks off this weekend, the Diamond Heels will find themselves in a rematch against a previous foe.

For the first time since 2013, North Carolina is set to host a regional. The Diamond Heels could not be more excited.

Michigan, Florida Gulf Coast, and Davidson will all make the trip to Chapel Hill, with Davidson facing off against UNC on Friday.

North Carolina has previously faced Davidson this season. The Heels won that game in walk-off fashion, by a score of 7-6 in extra innings.

The Diamond Heels won the game on a RBI double from Ashton McGee. But this time, things will be a little bit different.

Carolina’s ace, JB Bukauskas did not pitch last game, and one would expect him or Gianluca Dalatri to start on Friday. But with the season being on the line beginning on Friday, the Diamond Heels will likely roll out their best.

The format is double elimination, but getting out of the gates is the key to the regional format.

Let’s learn more about Davidson.

Davidson (32-24)

Davidson will be making their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament, with a school record in wins.

This is clearly the best team in program history.

Offense is where this team gets its start. They currently have five guys with a batting average of .300 or better, two guys with 15+ homers, and six guys with 30+ RBI’s.

Will Robertson is the best hitter on the team, and it is not really close. Robertson leads the team in average, HR’s, hits, and OPS.

In the first matchup, Robertson went 2-for-5, with three RBI’s, and two runs scored. He also homered in the game. Containing Robertson could be key to keeping Davidson out of the game.

Brian Fortier, Alec Acosta, and Eric Jones are also key guys to look out for. All three guys are hitting .315 or better, good for 2nd-4th on the team. The three have also combined for 29 homers. Those three, with Robertson, make up a strong top four for the Wildcats.

On the mound, the Wildcats ace is nearly as good as they come.

Durin O’Linger is the number one for the Wildcats, and he has been strong this year. O’Linger coasted through the season with an 8-3 record. He also posted a solid 2.85 ERA.

He is very capable of going the distance, having two complete games this season already.

O’Linger’s opponents have struggled against him, only being able to muster up a .267 batting average.

Out of the bullpen, Davidson has a couple of strong options too.

Westin Whitmire has appeared in 26 games, getting the save in twelve of those. His ERA is nowhere near as impressive though. His ERA is 4.72, and he boasts a 3-3 record. Whitmire’s opponents are hitting .302 against him.

Allen Barry is also a guy who can come out of the pen, or start. Barry has a 3-2 record this year and has an ERA of 3.77.

He missed most of his sophomore campaign with an injury, but has been very solid since returning.

The Diamond Heels, despite playing Davidson closely last time, should be able to have their way.

If Carolina can take advantage of runners in scoring position, they can win this game.

Related Story: Schedule for the Chapel Hill Regional

Keep it locked in to Keeping It Heel all weekend for updates on the regional!

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