UNC Tar Heels Capture Chapel Hill Regional Title with 9-3 Victory over ECU

May 30, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA — The North Carolina Tar Heels celebrated a decisive 9-3 triumph over the East Carolina Pirates, securing their place in the Super Regionals. The matchup took place at Boshamer Stadium, where UNC showcased a dominant performance, particularly on the offensive front.

Following ECU’s commanding win against VCU earlier in the day, the Pirates were primed for a rematch after their defeat the previous day. However, the Tar Heels were ready to rise to the occasion. Pitchers Folger Boaz, Walker McDuffie, and Jackson Rose effectively subdued the Pirates’ lineup, while the UNC hitters delivered their most productive outing of the regional.

Boaz started strong, demonstrating marked improvement compared to his earlier appearances against Georgia Tech and N.C. State. The Heels capitalized on a few infield singles and a shortstop error from Nick Parham, allowing them to take an early lead. After loading the bases in the second inning, ECU's starter Ryan Towers was replaced by Ethan Norby, who allowed another run to score before UNC extended their lead to 5-0 thanks to a two-run hit from Erik Paulsen.

Despite a solo homer by ECU's Grady Lenahan in the third, which threatened to shift momentum, the Tar Heels quickly responded by adding three more runs in the same inning. ECU attempted to rally in the fourth, but McDuffie was brought in to quell the threat, successfully inducing a double play to maintain the cushion.

While Joseph Webb from ECU managed to silence UNC’s bats for a few innings, Jackson Rose entered the game in the sixth and was nearly flawless, striking out four batters and allowing only one baserunner in the final frames. Jake Schaffner’s double in the seventh extended UNC’s lead, and Rose closed the game with ease, securing the victory and their spot in the Super Regionals.

This marks UNC's third consecutive trip to the Super Regionals, a remarkable achievement that few programs can claim. The Tar Heels will face the winner of the College Station Regional, featuring Texas A&M, who are set to play USC for the championship of their region. Further updates on UNC’s next opponent are expected throughout the week.