When: Saturday, June 23rd, 7:00 PM EDT
Where: Rosenblatt Stadium, Omaha, NE
TV/Radio: ESPN, 850 AM(Raleigh/Durham), 1360 AM(Chapel Hill)
Records: UNC 57-14; Oregon State 47-18
Rematch.
UNC survived three elimination games to get to the title series to face a Beaver team some though would not make the tournament but who have been every bit the part of defending champion in sweeping their bracket. The biggest concern facing UNC is how well the pitching holds up given the stress of the three straight do or die games. Both Rob Wooten and Andrew Caringan looked a tad tired in closing out Rice on Thursday which means it would be great if the offense could post a big number on Saturday to stake a huge lead and keep the bullpen quiet so they can be fully available for Games 2 and 3 if necessary. Of course the bats have been hot and cold for UNC at the CWS. This is from a team that usually puts together a nice mix between power hitting and small ball. UNC is also leaning on some young players which have show some incredible maturity under the pressure of the big lights of Omaha. While this Tar Heel team has shown an incredible ability to played their best with the backs against the wall, I would prefer they not.
Time to take care of business this time around.