Ahead of last weekend's Chapel Hill Regional, the talk surrounding the Diamond Heels was Scott Forbes' decision to "pitch off," going with Ryan Lynch for the opening game.
That decision panned out well, as Lynch gave the UNC baseball program exactly what they needed: a seven inning gem that helped set the pitching staff up nicely for the remainder of the weekend.
Ahead of this weekend's Chapel Hill Super Regional against USC, Tar Heel fans wondered what Forbes had up his sleeve with regard to his pitching staff. Well, that answer was provided on Thursday when Forbes spoke to the media.
Scott Forbes sticking with a similar game plan for the Super Regionals
Forbes announced that Lynch will get the ball in Game 1 on Friday afternoon, setting the Tar Heels up to follow the same pitching rotation this weekend.
Scott Forbes says Ryan Lynch will get the start for the @DiamondHeels in Game 1 of the Chapel Hill Super Regional.
— Pat James (@patjames24) June 4, 2026
Of course, North Carolina would love if Lynch had another strong start in him, one that would allow them not to tax the bullpen to much with another game (or two, depending on the outcomes) to follow. Based on how he threw the baseball a week ago in his last start, Lynch deserves the ball once again in this setting, hoping to replicate the success that he (and the Tar Heels) put together in the regional round.
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If the rotation stays the same, Jason DeCaro would be in line to start Saturday afternoon's game. Depending on how everything shakes out, Folger Boaz would likely be in line to take the ball in a winner-take-all game on Sunday, but, of course, we all know that it is subject to change based on how the scenario plays out.
All UNC can do is focus on Friday, looking to secure a win to set the tone in the series. Forbes believes that turning to Lynch is the best decision for his team, a decision that makes a ton of sense and felt like the obvious choice based on what happened the last time Lynch toed the rubber.
The answer we waited for has been provided: when the Tar Heels take the field for the first time on Friday afternoon, No. 53 will be the man on the mound to kick-off Super Regional action.
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