Where: Boshamer Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
When: Saturday, June 4th, 6:00 PM
Radio/Internet: WCHL 1360, 99.9 The Fan and Tar Heel Blue
Records: UNC 46-14; JMU 41-17
Results: UNC def. Maine 4-0; JMU def. FIU 11-7
Coming off an impressive 4-0 win over Maine, UNC will face one of the more prolific offenses in college baseball in James Madison. Fortunately for UNC, the Heels will be leaning on ace Patrick Johnson(11-1, 2.56 ERA) versus the Dukes. JMU enters the NCAA Tournament ranked in the top ten in several offensive categories. The Dukes lead the nation in runs scored and slugging percentage. JMU is fourth in batting average and home runs. This will certainly be a test of UNC's best pitcher versus one of the better offenses in the country.
Given the offensive potential JMU brings to the table, the Heels really need to play some solid defense behind Johnson. Affording a good offensive team more at bats and opportunities could end badly. Johnson's control has been very good of late seeing he will take the mound with a hitless streak of ten innings. JMU will also test Jacob Stallings behind the plate. The Dukes are second in the NCAA in steals per game with 2.63. Stallings led the ACC with 70 steal attempts against him throwing out 30 of those runners. If JMU gets runners on they will certainly test Stallings arm.
Prior to this game FIU will take on Maine in an elimination game. The winner plays the loser of the UNC-JMU game.