Now that's what I called wrapping up an opener in a nice, neat package.
First of all, UNC head coach Mike Fox missed yesterday's practice and this game to handle a "personal matter." While UNC would not specify what that meant, the N&O's Luke DeCock noted that Fox had told Inside Carolina last month he missed the bus ride back from Atlanta with the team to spend time with his ailing mother. Fox's status for the remainder of the weekend is up in the air. In his stead pitching coach Scott Forbes will handle head coaching duties.
Not that the Heels missed Fox beating the Black Bears 4-0. UNC posted all their runs in the first inning on the strength of a three run homer from catcher Jacob Stallings(with father Vanderbilt basketball coach Kevin Stallings watching in the stands with Roy Williams.) Kent Emanuel did the job on the mound scattering seven hits over eight innings walking one and striking out five. Michael Morin can in the close the game out retiring the side in order.
It was a nearly perfect opening game for the #3 national seed. UNC got an outstanding pitching performance from Emanuel and all the offense they needed. UNC can be, shall we say, sufficient with their run support at times. In this case the Heels staked a good lead and Emanuel took care of the rest.
Next up UNC faces James Madison and send Patrick Johnson to the mound to seize control of the regional.