Tar Heels Lose To Charlotte In Extra Innings

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The North Carolina Tar Heels fell to 15th-ranked UNC Charlotte 49ers 4-1 in a 10 inning effort on Tuesday evening on Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium.

The Tar Heel (20-18, 14-13) pitching staff was impressive– led by Gage Gillian, who threw 3.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Caleb Cozart started on the mound for Carolina and threw the opening frame. After walking the first batter of the contest, he struck out the next three and retired the side.

Carolina’s biggest opportunity at the plate came in the sixth inning. The bases were loaded after a base hit from Justice Thompson followed by back-to-back walks, but North Carolina was unable to convert. The game remained scoreless entering the seventh inning.

Through six innings, the Tar Heels were 0-9 with runners on base and 0-8 with runners in scoring position.

Another base hit to the right-field from Justice Thompson seemed to get the momentum going for the Tar Heels in the eighth inning, but a hit to the first baseman by Caleb Roberts turned into a double play. The inning ended with a score of 0-0.

UNC Charlotte (30-11, 17-3) loaded the bases in the top of the tenth inning with a walk, a single to right field, and a bunt before a 3RBI triple gave them a 3-0 advantage with one out. A sacrifice fly came next, pushing the Charlotte lead to 4-0 at the close of the inning.

North Carolina came out swinging in the bottom of the tenth inning, seeing hits from Frick, Thompson, and Tessar. Tessar’s RBI single to left field allowed Thompson to score, but the Tar Heels were unable to add any runs to their comeback effort.

Ollio, Pry, who suffered the decision, and Palermo each saw action out of the Tar Heel bullpen.

North Carolina is back in action on Friday, April 30 at 5 p.m. against Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. for their tenth ACC series.