The rematch is set for Wednesday afternoon in Omaha, as Scott Forbes and the Tar Heels look to beat West Virginia for a second time this week to clinch their spot in the College World Series Championship series.
With a win, UNC advances to take on the winner of Georgia/Oklahoma, but a loss would result in a winner-take-all elimination game on Thursday. With a few days of rest under their belts, the expectation for UNC is to finish things out on Wednesday, avoiding an elimination game at all costs.
Scott Forbes has a lot of confidence in his guys, especially his pitching staff. He's going with a similar blueprint that we saw earlier in the NCAA Tournament, one that will bring one of the Diamond Heels' weekend starters back into the fold.
UNC's projected starting pitcher vs West Virginia in CWS rematch
Folger Boaz, LHP (3-3, 7.03 ERA)
Similar to what we saw in the Chapel Hill Regional, Scott Forbes has the luxury to once again turn the ball over to his regular Sunday starter.
Folger Boaz hasn't pitched since May 31, but Forbes and the Tar Heels have a ton of confidence in him. While he is getting the ball to start the game, the plan is likely for him to face West Virginia's batting order once, as his success on the mound will obviously determine how long Forbes can ride the left-hander.
In a perfect world, Boaz gives UNC three or four strong innings of work. That would allow North Carolina to do what it loves to do: turn the game over to the bullpen.
Guys like Jackson Rose and Matthew Matthijs are likely to follow Boaz, and, of course, Walker McDuffie and Caden Glauber are lurking if the Tar Heels have a chance to close this thing out on Wednesday afternoon.
UNC's probable starting lineup vs West Virginia in the College World Series
1. Jake Schaffner- Shortstop
2. Gavin Gallaher- Second Baseman
3. Owen Hull- Center Fielder
4. Macon Winslow- Designated Hitter
5. Erik Paulsen- First Baseman
6. Cooper Nicholson- Third Baseman
7. Tyler Howe- Left Fielder
8. Colin Hynek- Catcher
9. Carter French- Right Fielder
The lineup has had its moments, but in reality, they haven't been clicking the way we've seen them do throughout the season.
Hitting with runners in scoring position has been a major challenge. Sure, when you get on base a lot you're bound to leave runners on, but Forbes and his staff know this group must capitalize better at the plate in these situations, especially knowing how they can make or break you in this type of format.
It's expected that UNC will continue to roll with the same lineup. Forbes is confident Macon Winslow is going to catch a break eventually during the College World Series, as he's due for some base hits. While you could suggest tweaking the order a bit, it's best to keep as is, given you have guys throughout who can work the count and find their way on base.
Serving as the away team, it would be nice to see the Tar Heels jump out to an early lead in this one.
How to watch UNC vs. West Virginia at the College World Series
First pitch between North Carolina and West Virginia is scheduled for 2:00 pm EST on Wednesday, June 17. This game will be aired live on television on ESPN.
UNC fans won't be thrilled with the rough start time for the CWS semifinal
This matchup will also be available to be streamed on the Watch ESPN app as well.
What does Vegas think of UNC's CWS rematch against West Virginia?
Vegas doesn't give North Carolina that much of an advantage in this College World Series rematch.
When the odds originally came out, the DraftKings sportsbook had the Tar Heels holding -166 odds to win and move on. They are favored by 1.5 in the spread, as Vegas expects this one to be a tight ball game in Omaha.
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