North Carolina Powers Past West Virginia to Reach College World Series Finals

OMAHA, Neb. — Oklahoma continued its remarkable postseason surge Wednesday night, defeating No. 3 Georgia 11–4 in the College World Series semifinals at Charles Schwab Field. Powered by five home runs and another dominant freshman pitching performance, the Sooners advanced to the College World Series championship series and moved within two wins of a national title. The victory improved Oklahoma to 41–22 and extended its winning streak to eight games. Georgia finished a historic season at 53–14 after setting a school record for victories and reaching Omaha for the first time since 2008. Sooners Strike First Oklahoma once again established momentum early. Jason Walk broke a scoreless tie in the third inning with a towering solo home run to dead center field, giving the Sooners a 1–0 lead. The blast extended Walk’s hitting streak and continued his outstanding postseason run from the leadoff spot. The Sooners added to the lead in the fourth inning when Trey Gambill launched a solo home run into the Oklahoma bullpen. Moments later, Brendan Brock singled and Dasan Harris followed with a two-run blast to right-center field, extending Oklahoma’s advantage to 4–0. The offensive outburst immediately placed pressure on Georgia and chased starter Paul Farley from the game. Freshman Wesloski Delivers Again Oklahoma continued its trend of relying on freshman pitchers in Omaha. Nick Wesloski made just his second start of the season and delivered another impressive outing. The freshman right-hander worked 5.2 innings, allowing four hits and three runs, though only one was earned. He struck out four batters and consistently limited Georgia’s opportunities to build momentum. Wesloski joined Cord Rager and Xander Mercurius as the third consecutive freshman starter for Oklahoma during the College World Series. The trio combined to allow only a handful of earned runs across three starts, giving the Sooners one of the most surprising pitching stories of the tournament. Georgia Tries to Climb Back The Bulldogs battled throughout the middle innings. In the fifth inning, senior shortstop Kolby Branch doubled and later scored on a base hit from Ryan Black, cutting the deficit to 4–1. Georgia created another opportunity in the sixth when it loaded the bases against reliever LJ Mercurius. Back-to-back bases-loaded walks to Branch and Black trimmed Oklahoma’s lead to 5–3 and briefly brought the Bulldogs back into contention. However, Mercurius escaped further damage by inducing a key defensive play to end the threat. That sequence proved to be one of the most important moments of the game. Harris and Walk Take Over After surviving Georgia’s rally, Oklahoma immediately answered. The Sooners scored in the seventh inning when Jaxon Willits delivered an RBI double to score Kyle Branch, extending the lead to 6–3. Then the Oklahoma power display resumed in the eighth. Harris crushed his second home run of the game, a two-run shot into the right-field stands. Shortly afterward, Walk launched his second solo homer of the night, pushing the advantage to 9–3. The back-to-back offensive blows effectively ended any hopes of a Georgia comeback. Both players entered the game with only four home runs on the season and produced the first multi-home run games of their careers on college baseball’s biggest stage. Gambill Leads 15-Hit Attack While Harris and Walk provided the power, Trey Gambill delivered one of the best all-around performances of the postseason. The designated hitter finished 4-for-5 with three RBIs, including a home run and a double. His four-hit performance marked the first four-hit game of his collegiate career. Brendan Brock added three hits, while Willits and Deiten Lachance each contributed two hits. Six different Sooners recorded multi-hit games as Oklahoma finished with 15 hits. The balanced production continued a postseason stretch in which Oklahoma averaged more than 10 runs per game. Oklahoma’s Historic Power Surge Continues The five-home-run performance further solidified Oklahoma’s status as the hottest offense in college baseball. The Sooners tied their season high with five home runs and increased their NCAA Tournament total to 26, establishing a new program postseason record. Oklahoma also became one of the most prolific power-hitting teams ever to play at Charles Schwab Field, where offense is often difficult to generate. During their eight-game winning streak, the Sooners averaged more than 10 runs per contest while defeating conference champions and national seeds throughout the postseason. Their path included victories over Georgia Tech, Kansas, Alabama, and Georgia. Branch Provides Final Highlight for Georgia Despite the loss, Georgia received a memorable moment from one of its program legends. Kolby Branch hit a solo home run in his final collegiate at-bat, giving him 20 home runs for the season and 56 for his career. The senior finished one of the most decorated careers in school history while helping lead Georgia to a school-record 53 wins. The Bulldogs also captured both the SEC regular-season championship and SEC Tournament title before reaching the College World Series. Championship Series Set With the victory, Oklahoma advanced to the College World Series Finals for the second time in five seasons. The Sooners earned a matchup against North Carolina in the best-of-three championship series beginning Saturday in Omaha. Oklahoma previously reached the finals in 2022 before finishing as national runner-up. North Carolina entered the series after defeating West Virginia earlier Wednesday to reach its first championship series since 2007. Final Takeaway Oklahoma’s 11–4 victory over Georgia showcased the formula that has fueled one of the nation’s most impressive postseason runs. The Sooners combined elite power hitting, timely pitching, and relentless offensive pressure to eliminate another national contender. Georgia produced another historic season and finished with a school-record 53 wins, but Oklahoma’s five-home-run explosion proved too much to overcome. With the win, the Sooners advanced to the College World Series championship series and moved within two victories of their first national championship since 1994.

OMAHA, Neb. — No. 3 Georgia continued its march through the Men’s College World Series Tuesday night, defeating No. 6 Texas 2–0 in a tense pitching duel at Charles Schwab Field. The Bulldogs received a combined four-hit shutout from Dylan Vigue and Justin Byrd to advance to the College World Series semifinals while ending the Longhorns’ season. With the victory, Georgia improved to 53–13 and set a new program record for wins in a season. Texas concluded its year at 46–15 after making its 39th Men’s College World Series appearance. Pitchers Control the Early Innings The game quickly developed into one of the best pitching matchups of the College World Series. Georgia starter Dylan Vigue dominated from the opening pitch, striking out eight batters across four scoreless innings. The junior right-hander allowed only two hits and repeatedly overpowered the Texas lineup before exiting after a leadoff walk in the fifth inning. Texas countered with graduate left-hander Luke Harrison, who delivered arguably the finest performance of his collegiate career. Harrison struck out 11 batters over 5.2 innings while carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning. He fanned eight of the first 10 hitters he faced and reached double digits in strikeouts before Georgia finally broke through offensively. For four innings, neither team recorded a run as both starters controlled the contest. Tre Phelps Breaks the Deadlock The breakthrough finally arrived in the fifth inning. Georgia senior Brennan Hudson opened the inning with a walk and advanced into scoring position following the first sacrifice bunt of Kolby Branch’s collegiate career. After a groundout moved Hudson to third, senior Tre Phelps lined a two-out RBI double into the gap. The hit scored Hudson and gave Georgia a 1–0 lead. It also represented the Bulldogs’ first hit of the game after Harrison had carried a no-hit bid deep into the contest. Phelps finished with two hits and drove in the game-winning run. Byrd Takes Over in Relief Following Vigue’s departure, Georgia turned to one of its most reliable relievers. Justin Byrd entered with a one-run lead and immediately preserved the advantage. The junior right-hander delivered five scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and striking out four batters. Byrd consistently attacked the strike zone and forced Texas hitters into early-count contact. His outing earned him the victory and completed one of the most impressive relief performances of the College World Series. The Longhorns never advanced a runner beyond second base against the Georgia bullpen. Bulldogs Add Insurance in the Seventh Georgia manufactured an important insurance run in the seventh inning. Ryan Black singled and later advanced into scoring position before a shallow fly ball created a unique scoring opportunity. Shortstop Adrian Rodriguez made the catch but collided with left fielder Anthony Pack Jr., allowing Black to score on Rylan Lujo’s sacrifice fly. The run extended Georgia’s lead to 2–0 and provided valuable breathing room in a game where every run mattered. Although the Bulldogs generated only a handful of hits, they maximized their opportunities against one of the nation’s best pitching staffs. Harrison and Cozart Keep Texas Close Despite the loss, Texas received outstanding pitching throughout the game. Harrison’s 11 strikeouts established a career high and pushed him over the 100-strikeout mark for the season. His performance helped Texas become the first program since 1988 to feature three pitchers with at least 100 strikeouts in a season. Freshman sensation Sam Cozart also excelled in relief. The National Freshman Pitcher of the Year worked 3.1 innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out six batters. Cozart finished his remarkable freshman season with a 1.72 ERA and once again demonstrated why he became one of college baseball’s premier young arms. Unfortunately for Texas, the offense could not provide support. Longhorn Offense Held in Check Texas entered Omaha with one of the nation’s most productive lineups but struggled to solve Georgia’s pitching combination. The Longhorns managed only four singles throughout the game. Aiden Robbins, Carson Tinney, Adrian Rodriguez, and Casey Borba each recorded one hit, but Texas never generated sustained offensive pressure. Georgia became only the second team all season to shut out the Longhorns. Vigue and Byrd combined for 12 strikeouts and consistently neutralized scoring opportunities. The inability to capitalize offensively ultimately proved decisive. Georgia Makes Program History The victory carried significant historical importance for the Bulldogs. Georgia set a new school record with its 53rd victory and recorded its first College World Series shutout since the 1990 national championship season. The Bulldogs also notched their seventh shutout of the year and improved to 32 games allowing three runs or fewer. Head coach Wes Johnson praised both Vigue and Byrd for executing the game plan and thriving under difficult hitting conditions created by the wind inside Charles Schwab Field. Texas Season Ends in Omaha Although the loss ended Texas’ championship pursuit, the Longhorns completed one of the strongest seasons in the country. Texas finished 46–15, advanced to Omaha for the 39th time, and ended the year tied for fifth nationally. The Longhorns captured another deep postseason run and showcased one of the nation’s top pitching staffs throughout the season. Their season concluded one win short of reaching the College World Series semifinals. Final Takeaway Georgia’s 2–0 victory over Texas was defined by elite pitching, timely execution, and defensive discipline. In a game where offense was difficult to find, Tre Phelps delivered the decisive hit while Dylan Vigue and Justin Byrd combined to shut down one of the nation’s most dangerous lineups.  Texas received exceptional pitching performances from Luke Harrison and Sam Cozart but could not generate enough offense to extend its season. With the victory, Georgia advanced to the College World Series semifinals and remained firmly in the hunt for a national championship.

OMAHA, Neb. — No. 16 national seed West Virginia kept its season alive Tuesday afternoon with a commanding 12–0 victory over Troy in a College World Series elimination game at Charles Schwab Field. Behind a combined four-hit shutout and an explosive offensive performance, the Mountaineers advanced while bringing an end to Troy’s historic postseason run. West Virginia improved to 47–16 on the season and moved on to face North Carolina in another elimination contest. Troy finished its remarkable campaign at 39–32 after becoming just the third Sun Belt Conference program ever to reach the College World Series. Pitching Staff Silences Troy’s Explosive Offense One of the most impressive aspects of West Virginia’s victory was its ability to shut down one of the hottest offenses in the NCAA Tournament. Entering the game, Troy had scored 91 runs during postseason play and was averaging more than 10 runs per game. The Mountaineers completely neutralized that production. Junior starter Dawson Montesa led the effort, throwing 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and striking out six batters. He consistently worked out of traffic and prevented Troy from building any offensive momentum. West Virginia’s bullpen continued the dominance. Ben McDougal, Reese Bassinger, and Carson Estridge combined to finish the four-hit shutout. Bassinger delivered one of the game's biggest performances, striking out five batters across two hitless innings and escaping a bases-loaded threat in the seventh inning. Mountaineers Break Through in the Third After two scoreless innings, West Virginia finally cracked the scoreboard in the third. Senior Matthew Graveline lined an RBI double into the gap to drive home the game’s first run. Moments later, a wild pitch allowed Graveline to score and extend the lead to 2–0. Although the advantage was modest, West Virginia’s pitching staff ensured it felt much larger. Troy starter Cooper Ellingworth battled through several early jams and struck out four batters over three innings, but the Mountaineers eventually capitalized on their opportunities. Kelly’s Home Run Opens the Floodgates The game’s turning point came during the sixth inning. With two outs and two runners aboard, Gavin Kelly stepped to the plate and launched a three-run home run, his 18th homer of the season. The blast extended West Virginia’s lead to 5–0 and completely shifted momentum toward the Mountaineers. Kelly’s homer highlighted a four-run inning that effectively put the game out of reach. Sean Smith later added an RBI single in the frame as West Virginia built a commanding six-run advantage. Kelly finished the afternoon with three hits and four RBIs, delivering one of the most impactful performances of the College World Series. Mountaineers Continue to Add On West Virginia refused to let up offensively. Ben Lumsden delivered an RBI single in the seventh inning to make it 7–0. The Mountaineers then erupted again in the ninth, scoring five additional runs to complete the rout. Brodie Kresser drove in a run with a sacrifice fly before Armani Guzman lined a two-run double. Kelly followed with another RBI single, and Paul Schoenfeld capped the scoring with a run-producing groundout. The late surge pushed the final margin to 12–0 and highlighted the depth of West Virginia’s lineup. Guzman Impacts the Game in Multiple Ways Armani Guzman once again played a critical role for the Mountaineers. The junior reached base four times, scored twice, drove in two runs, and stole three bases. His aggressive baserunning helped West Virginia establish pressure throughout the game. As a team, the Mountaineers stole seven bases, matching a College World Series single-game record. Matt Ineich also reached base four times and scored two runs as West Virginia consistently created opportunities on the bases. Troy’s Historic Run Comes to an End Although the season ended in disappointment, Troy completed one of the greatest years in program history. The Trojans went 7–3 during NCAA Tournament play after losing their regional opener. They rallied to win the Gainesville Regional, swept Little Rock in the program’s first-ever Super Regional appearance, and recorded their first College World Series victory by defeating Ole Miss earlier in Omaha. Several players added to their impressive individual accomplishments despite the loss. Jimmy Janicki recorded his 26th double of the season and finished the year among Troy’s all-time single-season leaders in RBIs, total bases, hits, and home runs. Steven Meier set the school’s career hit-by-pitch record, while Blake Cavill finished among the program’s all-time leaders in walks. West Virginia Advances The victory allowed West Virginia to continue one of the most successful seasons in school history. The Mountaineers improved to 47 wins and remained alive in Omaha, advancing to face North Carolina with a chance to force another meeting against the Tar Heels for a spot in the national championship series. After suffering a loss to North Carolina earlier in the tournament, West Virginia demonstrated resilience and responded with one of its most complete performances of the season. Final Takeaway West Virginia’s 12–0 victory over Troy was defined by dominant pitching, aggressive baserunning, and timely power hitting. The Mountaineers shut down one of the nation’s most productive offenses and received standout performances from Dawson Montesa, Gavin Kelly, and Armani Guzman.  Troy’s remarkable postseason run came to an end, but the Trojans leave Omaha after achieving several historic milestones for the program. With the win, West Virginia stayed alive in the College World Series and continued its pursuit of a national championship.

OMAHA, Neb. — Facing elimination at the Men’s College World Series, No. 6 Texas delivered one of the greatest offensive performances in program history Monday afternoon, defeating No. 7 Alabama 14–2 at Charles Schwab Field. Sophomore shortstop Adrian Rodriguez hit for the cycle and tied College World Series records with seven RBIs and 12 total bases, helping the Longhorns keep their national championship hopes alive. The victory improved Texas to 46–14 and advanced the Longhorns to another elimination game against Georgia. Alabama fell to 42–21 and saw its season come to an end after reaching Omaha for the first time since 1999. Rodriguez Makes College World Series History The afternoon belonged to Adrian Rodriguez.  The Texas shortstop became just the third player in Men’s College World Series history to hit for the cycle, joining Minnesota’s Jerry Kindall (1956) and Tennessee’s Christian Moore (2024). Rodriguez finished a perfect 5-for-5 with two doubles, a triple, a home run, seven RBIs, and 12 total bases. Rodriguez began his historic day with a two-run double in the first inning. He followed with a two-run triple in the second, added a single in the fifth, and completed the cycle with a towering two-run homer in the sixth inning. He later added another RBI double in the eighth to cap one of the most dominant individual performances ever seen in Omaha. Longhorns Jump on Alabama Early Texas wasted little time taking control of the elimination game. Rodriguez’s two-run double highlighted a three-run first inning that immediately put pressure on Alabama starter Zane Adams. Ethan Mendoza added an RBI hit during the rally as the Longhorns built an early advantage. Texas continued its offensive surge in the second inning. Mendoza delivered another run-scoring hit before Rodriguez lined a two-run triple, extending the lead to 7–0 and effectively ending Adams’ afternoon after only 1.2 innings. The Longhorns’ relentless approach prevented Alabama from ever recovering. Riojas Delivers Strong Start While the offense generated headlines, Texas also received an excellent performance from starting pitcher Ruger Riojas. The senior right-hander worked six innings, allowing two runs while striking out seven batters. Riojas retired the final eight hitters he faced and consistently limited Alabama’s opportunities to generate momentum. The outing came at a critical moment for Texas, which needed stability on the mound after its opening-round loss to Georgia. Riojas provided exactly that, keeping the Crimson Tide offense quiet while the Longhorn lineup continued piling up runs. Pack Adds Power to the Attack Freshman outfielder Anthony Pack Jr. also delivered a memorable performance. Pack collected three hits and drove in four runs, highlighted by a two-run home run during Texas’ four-run sixth inning. The blast marked his 12th homer of the season and made him the first Texas freshman to hit a home run in Omaha since 2002. Combined with Rodriguez’s historic day, Pack helped fuel one of the highest-scoring games Texas has produced at the College World Series in decades. The Longhorns scored eight runs with two outs and consistently capitalized on scoring opportunities throughout the game. Alabama Unable to Recover The Crimson Tide struggled to recover after Texas’ explosive start. Starter Zane Adams allowed seven runs and seven hits while recording only five outs. Alabama’s pitching staff never found a way to slow the Longhorn offense, which produced 14 runs and multiple extra-base hits throughout the afternoon. The Tide managed only two runs against Riojas and never seriously threatened after falling behind early. Despite a strong postseason run that included a trip to Omaha, Alabama’s season ended against one of the most explosive offensive performances in College World Series history. Mendoza Continues Strong Postseason Texas received contributions throughout the lineup. Mendoza recorded three hits and drove in runs during each of the first two innings. His production helped establish momentum before Rodriguez’s historic performance took center stage. The Longhorn offense generated pressure from top to bottom, producing its highest-scoring College World Series game since 1992. Nearly every hitter contributed during a dominant offensive display. Texas Advances to Another Elimination Game The victory allowed Texas to survive and continue its pursuit of a national championship. After opening the College World Series with a loss to Georgia, the Longhorns responded with urgency and resilience. The win improved Texas’ all-time Men’s College World Series record to 89–66 and kept alive hopes of making a deep run through the elimination bracket. Texas advanced to face Georgia in a rematch with a chance to avenge its opening-round defeat. Historic Afternoon in Omaha Rodriguez’s cycle immediately entered the record books as one of the most memorable performances in College World Series history. His seven RBIs tied a Men’s College World Series single-game record, while his 12 total bases also matched the event record. Combined with Texas’ 14-run output, the performance became one of the defining moments of the 2026 tournament. Final Takeaway Texas’ 14–2 victory over Alabama was defined by historic offensive production, dominant pitching, and a record-setting performance from Adrian Rodriguez. The Longhorns responded to elimination pressure with one of the greatest games in program history and overwhelmed the Crimson Tide from the opening inning. Alabama’s season came to an end after reaching the College World Series, while Texas earned another opportunity to continue its postseason journey. With the win, the Longhorns advanced in Omaha and kept their national championship hopes alive.

OMAHA, Neb. — Troy continued its remarkable postseason run Sunday afternoon, overcoming a four-run deficit to defeat Ole Miss 12–8 in a College World Series elimination game at Charles Schwab Field. The Trojans scored seven unanswered runs over the final three innings and used a dominant bullpen performance to eliminate the Rebels and advance in Omaha. The victory improved Troy to 39–31 and kept the Trojans alive in the College World Series. Ole Miss finished its season at 41–23 after making its seventh College World Series appearance and third under head coach Mike Bianco. Rebels Build Early Lead Ole Miss came out aggressively and appeared poised to extend its season. The Rebels struck first in the opening inning when Dom Decker reached on a two-base error and later scored on an RBI single by Judd Utermark. Hayden Federico followed with a run-scoring double to give Ole Miss an early 2–0 advantage. Troy answered in the second inning when Sean Darnell blasted a two-run home run to right-center field, tying the game at 2–2. The Rebels quickly regained control in the bottom half of the inning. Austin Fawley singled before Brayden Randle launched a two-run home run, restoring a 4–2 lead. Ole Miss extended the advantage again in the fourth inning when Collin Reuter crushed a two-run homer to right field, pushing the score to 6–2. At that point, the Rebels appeared firmly in command. Troy Begins the Comeback The Trojans refused to go away. In the fifth inning, Josh Pyne and Jimmy Janicki reached base before Drew Nelson drew a two-out walk to load the bases. A balk by Ole Miss starter Hunter Elliott brought home one run, and Darnell followed with a two-run single through the left side to cut the deficit to 6–5. The rally ended Elliott’s afternoon after 4.2 innings. Despite striking out nine batters, the Ole Miss ace could not hold off Troy’s offensive momentum. Janicki Ignites the Seventh-Inning Surge The game completely changed in the seventh inning. Janicki opened the frame by launching a solo home run that tied the score at 6–6. The blast was his 21st home run of the season and his second homer in Omaha. After Nelson reached base and Darnell drew a walk, Jabe Boroff delivered the biggest hit of the game. The Troy slugger ripped a two-run double down the left-field line, giving the Trojans their first lead at 8–6. Houston Markham followed with an RBI single to extend the advantage to 9–6. In just one inning, Troy had erased a four-run deficit and seized control of the elimination game. Trojans Add Insurance Troy continued to apply pressure in the eighth inning. Blake Cavill launched a solo home run to left field before Nelson walked and Darnell singled. A dropped popup later allowed two additional runs to score, extending the Trojans’ lead to 12–7. The five-run cushion proved more than enough for Troy’s bullpen. Ole Miss managed only one more run when Will Furniss hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth, but the Rebels could not mount another rally. Darnell Leads Offensive Attack Sean Darnell delivered one of the best performances of his career. The senior second baseman finished 3-for-3 with a home run, four RBIs, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch. He reached base five times and was directly responsible for much of Troy’s comeback. Boroff added two critical RBIs with his go-ahead double, while Janicki’s game-tying homer shifted momentum entirely in Troy’s favor. The Trojans finished with 12 runs after trailing by four runs midway through the game. Thigpen Shuts Down the Rebels While the offense grabbed headlines, Troy received an outstanding relief effort from Noah Thigpen. The sophomore right-hander entered in the fourth inning and delivered five innings of relief, allowing only two runs while striking out five batters. The appearance was the longest relief outing of his collegiate career and helped stabilize the game after Ole Miss built an early lead. Zach Crotchfelt recorded the final outs, striking out two batters to seal the victory. Ole Miss Season Comes to an End Despite the loss, Ole Miss received several strong offensive performances. The bottom third of the lineup carried much of the production. Fawley, Randle, and Reuter combined for six hits, two home runs, and five RBIs. Federico also recorded two hits and drove in a run. However, the Rebels were unable to protect their four-run lead, and Troy’s late offensive explosion proved decisive. Head coach Mike Bianco praised his team’s accomplishments despite the disappointing ending, noting the challenges of reaching Omaha and competing on college baseball’s biggest stage. Troy Continues Historic Run The victory marked another milestone in one of the most remarkable postseason runs in program history. The Trojans improved to 5–0 in elimination games during the NCAA Tournament and continued a postseason journey that included victories over several power-conference opponents. Troy became one of the final teams remaining in Omaha and continued to demonstrate resilience under pressure. Final Takeaway Troy’s 12–8 victory over Ole Miss showcased resilience, timely hitting, and outstanding bullpen work. Trailing 6–2 midway through the game, the Trojans responded with seven unanswered runs and dominated the final innings to secure the win. Ole Miss built an early lead behind home runs from Brayden Randle and Collin Reuter but could not contain Troy’s relentless offense. With the victory, Troy advanced in the College World Series, while Ole Miss concluded another successful season in Omaha.

OMAHA, Neb. — No. 5 North Carolina moved one step closer to the national championship series Sunday night, defeating No. 16 West Virginia 5–2 in a winner’s bracket matchup at the Men’s College World Series. The Tar Heels used a three-run seventh inning and another strong pitching performance to remain unbeaten in Omaha and advance to the bracket final. North Carolina improved to 52–12–1 on the season and became just one victory away from reaching the College World Series championship series. West Virginia fell to 46–16 and dropped into the elimination bracket. Tar Heels Strike Early North Carolina wasted little time manufacturing offense. The Tar Heels loaded the bases in the first inning after Jake Schaffner and Owen Hull recorded back-to-back hits and Macon Winslow was hit by a pitch. Erik Paulsen then drew a bases-loaded walk to force home the game’s first run. Moments later, Cooper Nicholson grounded out to bring Hull home and extend the lead to 2–0. The early scoring gave North Carolina immediate momentum in what quickly developed into a pitching duel. Mountaineers Battle Back West Virginia responded by slowly chipping away at the deficit. In the third inning, Ben Lumsden reached base and eventually scored when Armani Guzman lined an RBI single through the middle, cutting the lead to 2–1. The Mountaineers continued applying pressure in the fourth inning. After putting runners on the corners, West Virginia tied the game when Sean Smith scored on a double-play ground ball. Although North Carolina escaped further damage, the game was suddenly even at 2–2. The Mountaineers had erased the early deficit and appeared poised to make the game a battle deep into the evening. Yehl and Lynch Settle Into Duel Following the early scoring, both starting pitchers settled into a rhythm. West Virginia starter Maxx Yehl recovered from the rocky first inning and delivered one of his strongest postseason performances. The right-hander worked seven innings, striking out seven while allowing five runs, though only two were earned because of defensive miscues behind him. North Carolina starter Ryan Lynch also delivered an effective outing. The sophomore worked 4.2 innings, allowing two runs while helping keep the Mountaineers from generating a bigger rally during the middle innings. For several innings, neither team could break the tie. Gallaher Delivers the Turning Point The game’s decisive moment came in the bottom of the seventh inning. North Carolina capitalized on defensive mistakes by West Virginia to create a scoring opportunity. Carter French reached base, and Schaffner later advanced into scoring position before Gavin Gallaher stepped to the plate. The junior second baseman ripped a two-run triple into right-center field, scoring both French and Schaffner to give the Tar Heels a 4–2 lead. Moments later, Hull followed with an RBI single up the middle that brought Gallaher home and extended the lead to 5–2. The three-run inning provided all the separation North Carolina needed. McDuffie Dominates in Relief One of the biggest factors in the victory was the performance of reliever Walker McDuffie. After replacing Lynch in the fifth inning, McDuffie completely shut down the Mountaineers’ offense. The right-hander tossed 3.2 scoreless innings without allowing a hit while striking out four batters. McDuffie earned the victory and repeatedly delivered key pitches whenever West Virginia threatened. His outing allowed North Carolina to maintain control while the offense searched for the go-ahead run. Glauber Closes the Door West Virginia mounted one final rally in the ninth inning. The Mountaineers placed runners on first and second with one out, bringing the tying run to the plate and creating pressure for North Carolina. Head coach Scott Forbes turned to freshman closer Caden Glauber, and the move paid off immediately. Glauber struck out both batters he faced to end the game and secure his fifth save of the season. The dominant finish preserved the victory and continued a remarkable trend. North Carolina remained undefeated this season when Glauber appeared in a game. Gallaher and Hull Lead the Offense Gallaher delivered the game’s biggest hit with his two-run triple, but the Tar Heels received contributions throughout the lineup. Hull collected key hits, including the RBI single that capped the decisive seventh inning. Schaffner and French also played important roles in creating scoring opportunities during the late rally. While North Carolina did not generate overwhelming offensive numbers, it consistently capitalized on opportunities when they appeared. West Virginia Faces Elimination Despite the loss, West Virginia remained alive in Omaha. The Mountaineers received strong pitching from Yehl and got offensive contributions from Guzman and Smith, but they struggled to generate offense after the fourth inning. West Virginia managed only two runs despite several opportunities against the Tar Heel pitching staff. The loss dropped the Mountaineers into an elimination game against Troy. Tar Heels Continue Historic Run The victory marked North Carolina’s first 2–0 start at the College World Series since 2006. Historically, teams that begin 2–0 in Omaha have gone on to win the national championship at a remarkable rate. North Carolina also continued one of the most successful seasons in program history and positioned itself just one win away from returning to the championship series. Final Takeaway North Carolina’s 5–2 victory over West Virginia was defined by timely hitting, dominant relief pitching, and the ability to capitalize on mistakes. After the Mountaineers erased an early deficit, the Tar Heels responded with a decisive seventh inning and relied on Walker McDuffie and Caden Glauber to finish the job. West Virginia battled throughout the contest but could not generate enough offense late against North Carolina’s pitching staff.  With the victory, the Tar Heels advanced in the winner’s bracket and moved within one win of the College World Series Finals.

OMAHA, Neb. — Oklahoma opened its 2026 College World Series run with an emphatic statement Saturday afternoon, defeating No. 7 national seed Alabama 9–0 at Charles Schwab Field. Freshman left-hander Cord Rager delivered seven scoreless innings, while the Sooners used timely hitting and a balanced offensive attack to earn one of the most dominant opening-game victories in recent College World Series history. The victory improved Oklahoma to 39–22 and extended the Sooners’ winning streak to six games. Alabama fell to 42–20 and moved into an elimination game needing a win to keep its season alive. Sooners Strike First Oklahoma wasted little time taking control of the contest. Jason Walk opened the game with a single before Deiten Lachance and Jaxon Willits reached base to set up an early scoring opportunity. With two outs, Trey Gambill delivered a two-run double into the right-center field gap, giving the Sooners a 2–0 lead in the opening inning. The early advantage immediately put pressure on Alabama and provided support for Rager before he even took the mound for his second inning of work. Rager Dominates on College Baseball’s Biggest Stage The story of the game quickly became Oklahoma freshman left-hander Cord Rager. Making his College World Series debut, Rager delivered seven shutout innings while allowing only three hits and striking out eight batters. He did not issue a walk and needed only 88 pitches to complete his outing. The Crimson Tide struggled to generate consistent offense against Rager’s combination of fastball command and a devastating curveball. Alabama did not record its first hit until the fifth inning and never seriously threatened throughout the afternoon. Rager’s performance marked his third consecutive NCAA Tournament start of at least six innings and further established him as one of the nation’s top freshman pitchers. Alabama Unable to Generate Offense The Crimson Tide entered Omaha with one of the nation’s more productive offenses but found little success against Oklahoma pitching. Alabama managed only five hits, all singles, and produced multiple hits in just one inning. John Lemm, Eric Hines, Bryce Fowler, Justin Lebron, and Brennan Holt each recorded a hit, but the lineup never found the timely offense needed to challenge Oklahoma’s lead. The Tide’s best opportunity came in the fifth inning when consecutive singles opened the frame, but a double play immediately erased the threat and preserved the shutout. Oklahoma’s defense complemented Rager throughout the game, helping maintain control from start to finish. Sooners Add to the Lead Oklahoma continued to build its advantage during the middle innings. In the third inning, Walk worked a leadoff walk, stole second base, and later scored on a double-play groundout, extending the lead to 3–0. The aggressive baserunning and situational execution continued to pressure Alabama’s defense. The Sooners then delivered the game’s biggest offensive swing in the sixth inning. After Camden Johnson was hit by a pitch, Lachance launched a two-run home run over the left-field wall, increasing Oklahoma’s lead to 5–0. The blast was his 16th home run of the season and his fourth of the NCAA Tournament. Remarkably, Lachance hit the homer despite suffering an ankle injury earlier in the game. Lachance Plays Through Injury One of the most impressive moments of the afternoon came from Oklahoma catcher Deiten Lachance. The junior sprained his left ankle in the first inning while running the bases and visibly limped throughout much of the game. Despite the injury, he remained in the lineup and delivered one of the game’s defining performances. Lachance finished 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and three runs scored. His sixth-inning homer helped create separation and energized the Sooners’ dugout. The resilience displayed by Lachance became one of the lasting images of Oklahoma’s victory. Four-Run Eighth Seals the Victory Oklahoma removed all doubt during the eighth inning. The Sooners strung together five hits and a walk to score four additional runs. Jaxon Willits drove in one run with a single, Brendan Brock followed with another RBI hit, and Dasan Harris capped the rally with a two-run single to right-center field. The offensive burst extended the lead to 9–0 and completed Oklahoma’s most complete performance of the postseason. Eight of Oklahoma’s nine starters recorded at least one hit, highlighting the lineup’s depth and balance. Fay Battles for Alabama Despite the final score, Alabama starter Tyler Fay delivered a competitive outing. The right-hander worked six innings, allowing five runs while striking out six batters. Fay surpassed 127 strikeouts on the season and moved within one strikeout of tying the Alabama single-season program record. However, the lack of offensive support and Oklahoma’s timely hitting ultimately left him with little margin for error. Historic Win for Oklahoma The shutout carried additional significance for the Sooners. The 9–0 victory represented the largest shutout by a team in an opening-round College World Series game since 2002. It also marked Oklahoma’s first College World Series shutout since 1975 and continued a remarkable postseason run that included victories over Georgia Tech, Kansas, and Alabama. The Sooners improved to 19–18 all-time in College World Series competition and advanced to face Georgia in the winner’s bracket. Final Takeaway Oklahoma’s 9–0 victory over Alabama was defined by dominant pitching, disciplined offense, and complete execution in every phase of the game. Cord Rager controlled the contest from the mound, while Deiten Lachance and the Sooners’ lineup consistently delivered timely hits. Alabama struggled to solve Oklahoma’s pitching staff and never found an offensive rhythm.  With the victory, the Sooners advanced in the winner’s bracket and continued their pursuit of a national championship in Omaha.