UNC Baseball to Rely on Folger Boaz for Key Matchup

On Wednesday at 2 p.m. Eastern, the North Carolina Tar Heels will turn to junior left-handed pitcher Folger Boaz as they take on West Virginia. Boaz, who has served as the team's third starter this season, has not seen game action in over two weeks. His last outing was in the NCAA regional against East Carolina, where he pitched 3 and 1/3 innings, giving up five hits and one earned run, while striking out four batters.

Despite Boaz's extended break from competition, head coach Scott Forbes expressed confidence in his ability to perform. The junior has amassed 56 and 1/3 innings this season with a 7.03 ERA. "I thought Folger Boaz was outstanding against East Carolina," Forbes remarked. "I think he can beat anybody." He also emphasized the importance of preparation, noting that Boaz's confidence is currently at a peak.

There was some discussion about starting freshman pitcher Caden Glauber, who had thrown 33 pitches in the opener and nine more during a game against West Virginia. However, with the possibility of a further game on Thursday, Forbes opted to go with Boaz to preserve Glauber for critical future matchups. "If you start Caden Glauber on Wednesday, he might be done for the rest of the tournament if he throws 100 pitches," Forbes explained.

Forbes also mentioned potential bullpen options behind Boaz, including left-hander Jackson Rose and right-hander Matthew Matthijs, while not ruling out the use of Glauber or Walker McDuffie, who pitched 63 pitches in his last appearance. The outcome of Wednesday's game will determine whether North Carolina advances to the championship finals or faces an elimination game on Thursday, should they lose.