From the beginning of his final start at Boshamer Stadium, it was clear UNC right-handed pitcher Jake Knapp did not have his best command.
But when you’ve got an offense as good at Carolina’s is right now, you’re going to be afforded a big cushion of runs.
The No. 5 Diamond Heels opened up their super regional round vs. Arizona with a 18-2 win Friday afternoon, setting a program record for most-runs scored in a super regional. UNC homered four times, including in the first inning to take the lead back from the Wildcats after Knapp allowed an early run. First baseman Hunter Stokely hit a moonshot over the right field fence to follow up RBIs from Luke Steven and Gavin Gallaher, with the Diamond Heels racing out to a 5-1 lead before Arizona recorded an out.
Bats stay ???. Heels take game 1️⃣!#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/dEnaczhILb
— Carolina Baseball (@DiamondHeels) June 6, 2025
The fireworks continued in the bottom of the second inning, as the top of the order came to bat again. Kane Kepley — who finished the day 3-for-5 with four runs scored — tripled to centerfield and Jackson Van de Brake drew a walk before Stevenson mashed a three-run homer to put his slump in the regional round behind him. That was enough to chase the Zona starter Owen Kramkowski, with the sophomore pitcher departing after just 12 batters and allowing UNC to go 4-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
The Diamond Heels’ other homers came in the bottom of the eighth inning after the game was already firmly out of hand. Sam Angelo continued his hot postseason by hitting a three-run homer to right field, pushing the score to 17-2 before Kepley hit a solo shot for his third homer of the season.
Carolina will be back in action Saturday vs. Arizona, with their 13th appearance to the NCAA College World Series on the line if they can win a second game against the Wildcats. First pitch for Game 2 of the Chapel Hill Super Regional at Boshamer Stadium is set for 12 p.m., weather permitting, and will be broadcast on 97.9 The Hill for radio and ESPN2 for television.
Featured photo via UNC Athletics Communications / Diamond Heels on X.
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