Skip to main content
Keeping It Heel
Fansided

Gavin Gallaher snaps his College World Series drought at the perfect time for UNC

The timing couldn't have been better for the Diamond Heels' captain.
ByNick Delahanty|
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Jun 12, 2026; Omaha, NE, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels shortstop Jake Schaffner (2) and shortstop Jake Schaffner (2) complete a double play as Mississippi Rebels pinch runner Cannon Goldin (4) watches in the ninth inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
Jun 12, 2026; Omaha, NE, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels shortstop Jake Schaffner (2) and shortstop Jake Schaffner (2) complete a double play as Mississippi Rebels pinch runner Cannon Goldin (4) watches in the ninth inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images | Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

When North Carolina went to the 2024 College World Series, Gavin Gallaher simply couldn't get anything going offensively.

A freshman at the time, Gallaher went hitless during his first appearance in Omaha, something that definitely didn't sit well with the Tar Heels' infielder. After not making it to the College World Series in 2025, Gallaher had to wait a little longer for his chance at redemption, which finally occurred on Friday night.

In the bottom half of the seventh inning, the Tar Heels tied the game up at two courtesy of a Jake Schaffner sacrifice fly. With a runner on second base with two outs in the inning, Gallaher, who was hitless in the game up to this point, stepped up to the dish with a chance to give North Carolina its first lead of the College World Series.

The man who has been the definition of clutch during his time with the UNC baseball program found a way to deliver once again.

Gallaher ripped a single right back up the middle, scoring Colin Hynek to give the Tar Heels a lead they wouldn't relish. Not only was it a major turning point in the win over Ole Miss but serves as a huge moment for Gallaher, as his Omaha skid is now in the past.

UNC passes its first 2026 College World Series test with a victory over Ole Miss

For such a great hitter, it was surprising in itself that Gallaher struggled during the Tar Heels' last appearance in Omaha. He has come up clutch on numerous occasions and lives for the big moment, as Friday night was no different for the junior captain, embracing the moment by simply getting the job done at the plate.

Gallaher picked a perfect time to snap his Omaha skid, as one swing of the bat not only changed the momentum for the UNC baseball program but also, hopefully, gets Gallaher going offensively as the Tar Heels aim to make a deep run in the 2026 College World Series.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Home/UNC Baseball