Scott Forbes and the Diamond Heels passed their first test of the 2026 College World Series, defeating Ole Miss on Friday night in Omaha.
While the win was nice, the job is far from finished.
North Carolina now braces for a meeting with West Virginia in the winner's bracket of the region, a game that has major implications behind it. The winner advances to Wednesday's regional title game needing just one win to advance to the College World Series finals, while the loser will have to battle throughout the week to keep their season alive.
In what will be a rematch of the epic 2024 Chapel Hill Super Regionals, this one is destined to be another fun matchup between the Tar Heels and the Mountaineers.
Everything you need to know about UNC vs. WVU
Game 2 Opponent: West Virginia
Head Coach: Steve Sabins
Record: 46-15 (21-9 Big 12)
Projected Starters
West Virginia: LHP Maxx Yehl- Big 12 Pitcher of the Year
North Carolina: RHP Ryan Lynch
Series History
The two programs have met just four times since 2000. North Carolina holds a 3-1 advantage in these games, having won each of the previous two meetings.
Tar Heel fans remember the last time these two teams met up.
North Carolina and West Virginia put on an epic show in the 2024 Chapel Hill Super Regionals, a series that the Diamond Heels won to advance to Omaha. Vance Honeycutt hit a walk-off home run.
While the faces have changed on both sides, there are some guys who were part of that series just two years ago. You'd have to imagine that West Virginia is coming into this contest with redemption on their minds!
History in Omaha
-This trip marks the 13th time that the UNC baseball program will be competing in the College World Series.
-Since 2006, UNC and Florida have the most CWS berths (9 each).
How Owen Hull's approach at the plate led to a massive home run for UNC
-UNC has made the championship series on two occasions (2006 and 2007).
-North Carolina holds a 20-25 all-time record in Omaha, including a 6-7 record in opening games.
-Four players on this year's team played in the 2024 College World Series (the last time UNC made the trip to Omaha): Jason DeCaro, Gavin Gallaher, Matthew Matthijs, and Cam Padgett.
Game Information
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha, Nebraska
TV: ESPN
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