Is a lineup change looming for the UNC baseball program?

It's been a struggle as of late for Alberto Osuna.

The senior designated hitter simply hasn't been able to get anything going at the plate, as he has just one hit in his last 14 plate appearances. His latest outing was one he'd like to forget, as he was responsible for three of the four strikeouts.

In the ninth inning of the College World Series opener, Scott Forbes elected to go to Jackson Van De Brake to pinch hit. That move paid off, as the senior captain roped a double down the right field line and eventually scored the game-winning run.

Heading into the Diamond Heels' battle with No. 1-ranked Tennessee on Sunday night, Forbes hinted that there could be a lineup change looming.

The UNC baseball program will likely utilize a different designated hitter in Sunday night's lineup, as there are two obvious choices that will be in consideration to fill the void.

Forbes could elect to go with Johnny Castagnozzi, a former starter who has plenty of experience under his belt. Castagnozzi was called upon to pinch-hit in the Chapel Hill Regional against LSU, as he was able to reach base due to an error. Although he would be pinch-ran for, that run ultimately was the deciding one in an extra innings victory for the Diamond Heels.

The other option would be Van De Brake, the unsung hero in Friday afternoon's victory. Another player with a good amount of experience, the Tar Heels' captain would make sense given the momentum he built with his latest at-bat.

Of course, Forbes could throw a curveball at us all and go with another player off the bench. That's simply the benefit of having a deep roster. However, if he does make a lineup switch, it makes total sense to do it, as you can't afford to give away outs due to a player being in a major slump.

That "next man up" mentality is in full-effect, as the Diamond Heels' reserves are ready for the opportunity if their number is called.