The UNC baseball program is playing for a national title.
Game one of the College World Series Championship Series is slated for Saturday afternoon in Omaha, as the Diamond Heels will battle the Oklahoma Sooners in what will be a best of three series. North Carolina aims to capture its first national title in program history, returning to the title series for the first time since 2007.
Just two wins away from the goal they set for themselves months ago, it's fitting that their starter for the first game of the series is the guy who has been their ace ever since he arrived on campus.
UNC's projected CWS Championship series Game 1 starter vs. Oklahoma
Jason DeCaro, RHP (11-2, 2.31 ERA)
There isn't a better person to toe the rubber for the UNC baseball program in this game than junior right-hander Jason DeCaro.
Essentially serving as the Tar Heels' Friday night starter since he arrived on campus, DeCaro has been the workhorse ace for this program. As good as he's been since day one, the junior has gotten better over time, as this season is a testament to how his hard work and dedication has paid off.
DeCaro has been outstanding in each of his last two starts. His complete game shutout against USC in the Chapel Hill Super Regionals kept the Diamond Heels' season alive, while his outing against Ole Miss in the College World Series opener set the tone for North Carolina to get to this point.
In what likely will be his final start as a Tar Heel, the hope is that DeCaro has one more brilliant outing left in the tank before he takes his talents to the pros.
UNC's probable starting lineup vs Oklahoma in Game One of the the College World Series Championship series
Before the rematch with West Virginia, no one really expected Scott Forbes to make any major changes to the lineup.
Well, the manager of the Tar Heels fooled us all and, quite frankly, made some excellent decisions.
The Diamond Heels will face a tough lefty in Cord Rager in the opener, which will likely be a main factor in how the Tar Heels elect to roll out their starting lineup. After scoring the most runs by a UNC squad in a single College World Series game, the "why fix it if it ain't broke?" method just might work out well here.
1. Jake Schaffner- Shortstop
2. Owen Hull- Center Fielder
3. Gavin Gallaher- Second Baseman
4. Erik Paulsen- First Baseman
5. Cooper Nicholson- Third Baseman
6. Tyler Howe- Left Fielder
7. Colin Hynek- Catcher
8. Macon Winslow- Designated Hitter
9. Carter French- Right Fielder
If this was a regular season game, Rom Kellis probably starts the game in place of Carter French. However, French has been a sparkplug at the bottom of the order and is a much better defender, which is important to consider while mapping out a lineup for a game played in a difficult ballpark for outfielders to play in.
Gavin Gallaher had the perfect response after winning a Gold Glove at a new position
With the way this group has been playing, you have to feel confident in the lineup regardless of how it is written out. They take pitches, work counts and make starting pitchers work, all traits that should help them get Rager's pitch count up early.
How to watch UNC vs. Oklahoma at the College World Series
With inclement weather on the way in Omaha, the NCAA didn't take any chances when it comes to getting this game in.
Originally scheduled for 8:00 PM EST, it was announced on Friday that the game would be moved up five hours to the 3:00 PM EST slot. The game will still be televised nationally on ESPN.
This matchup will also be available to be streamed on the Watch ESPN app as well.
What does Vegas think of UNC's CWS Game 1 matchup against Oklahoma?
Similar to what we've seen throughout the postseason, Vegas doesn't give the Diamond Heels much of an advantage in Game 1 of the College World Series Championship series.
DraftKings sportsbook has the Tar Heels holding a -180 to win the first game of a best-of-three series. They are favored by 1.5 in the spread, showing how tight Vegas believes this game will be.
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