The Arizona Wildcats baseball team delivered a dramatic comeback to defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels 4-3 in Game of the Chapel Hill Super Regional, clinching their spot in the 2025 College World Series and ending UNC’s season in heartbreaking fashion.
Wildcats Rally Late to Shock Tar Heels.
After falling behind 3-1 on a three-run homer by UNC’s Jackson Van De Brake in the third inning, Arizona chipped away and mounted a decisive rally in the eighth. Two costly UNC errors set the stage for Arizona’s comeback, with Andrew Cain and Tommy Splaine reaching base and Easton Breyfogle’s bunt putting pressure on the Tar Heel defense. Mason White came through with a clutch two-run single, giving the Wildcats their first lead since the early innings.
UNC’s Bats Go Quiet at Crucial Moment.
Despite a strong start, North Carolina’s offense stalled, going six innings without scoring after the third. Arizona’s bullpen locked down the final frames, with Tony Pluta earning his 14th save of the season—a new school record.
Series Recap: From Rout to Redemption.
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Game: North Carolina dominated with an 18-2 win, the most runs ever scored by the Tar Heels in a Super Regional game.
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Game: Arizona responded with a wild 10-8 victory, overcoming multiple lead changes and using a four-run seventh inning to force a decisive third game.
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Game: Arizona’s 4-3 win completed the comeback, sending the Wildcats to Omaha for their 19th College World Series appearance and their first under head coach Chip Hale.
What’s Next for Arizona?.
The Wildcats (44-19) now turn their attention to Omaha, aiming for their fifth national championship as they join the final field for the 2025 College World Series North Carolina, meanwhile, finishes a strong season at 46-15, but the Diamond Heels’ hopes end just short of Omaha.
