The format of the College World Series provides head coaches with a little more flexibility than the earlier rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
With some rest scheduled in between games, teams don't have to heavily rely on their starting pitcher, especially if they struggle. Managers, like Scott Forbes, can go to his bullpen earlier than you'd usually anticipate, knowing that a win means two extra rest days to get them ready for the next game.
Ryan Lynch didn't have his best stuff on Sunday but grinded into the fifth inning. After allowing a two-out hit, Forbes made the walk to the mound, electing to turn the game over to sophomore reliever Walker McDuffie.
What a great decision it turned out to be for the Diamond Heels.
Walker McDuffie's clutch outing plays huge role in UNC's win over WVU
McDuffie entered the game and right away proved he had his typical elite stuff, striking out Gavin kelly, one of the most lethal hitters in West Virginia's lineup.
McDuffie’s got motion 🫨 pic.twitter.com/T5LXUeVsAU
— Carolina Baseball (@DiamondHeels) June 15, 2026
One big out wasn't all North Carolina would get from McDuffie, who ended up throwing 3 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. The right-hander struck out four while allowing just three hits, throwing 39 of his 63 pitches for strikes.
McDuffie took over control on the mound from that final out of the fifth inning until one out in the ninth, setting up Caden Glauber to record the final two outs of the ball game. In a non-postseason situation, Forbes probably rolls with McDuffie for at least another batter in that situation, but given the stakes, it made sense to go to the fresh arm.
Tar Heel fans know just how valuable Walker McDuffie has been for the program in his two seasons on campus, developing into one of the country's top relievers. He showed his elite-level stuff on the mound on Sunday night, mowing down the West Virginia order in a critical part of the ball game.
He even had Pat McAfee tweeting about him during the game!
I’d like the umps to please check McDuffie’s glasses.. I think there’s some AI in there somewhere doing something
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 15, 2026
North Carolina is fortunate to have two of the best bullpen arms in the country. Whenever Forbes needs a key out, he has the luxury of deciding which one of his ace relievers to turn the baseball over to, and on Sunday, it was Walker McDuffie's moment to shine.
McDuffie's outing is another reminder to the country: this dude is an absolute STUD! When he comes in the game, your offense is, in most cases, in a lot of trouble!
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