North Carolina Rallies Past Ole Miss in College World Series Opener

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.

OMAHA, Neb. — No. 3 Georgia opened its 2026 College World Series run in impressive fashion Saturday night, defeating No. 6 Texas 7–1 at Charles Schwab Field. Behind a historic complete-game performance from Joey Volchko and an early offensive surge, the Bulldogs advanced into the winner’s bracket while sending the Longhorns into an elimination game. Georgia improved to 52–12 on the season, tying the school record for victories set by the 1990 national championship team. Texas fell to 45–14 and faced a must-win matchup against Alabama to keep its season alive. Bulldogs Capitalize on First-Inning Opportunities Georgia wasted little time taking control of the contest. After Tre Phelps reached on a leadoff walk, sophomore center fielder Rylan Lujo launched a two-run home run that struck the foul pole in left field, giving the Bulldogs an immediate 2–0 lead. The blast was Lujo’s 14th home run of the season and set the tone for Georgia’s aggressive offensive approach. The Bulldogs continued to apply pressure throughout the inning. Texas defensive miscues, two wild pitches, and multiple free baserunners allowed Georgia to extend the advantage to 4–0 before many fans had settled into their seats. The early cushion proved more than enough with Volchko on the mound. Volantis Settles In for Texas Despite the difficult opening inning, Texas starter Dylan Volantis quickly regrouped and delivered an impressive outing. The left-hander retired 16 of the next 18 Georgia batters after the first inning and held the Bulldogs hitless from the second through much of the seventh inning. Volantis worked a career-high 111 pitches while striking out nine batters over 6.1 innings. His effort kept Texas within striking distance for much of the game despite receiving little offensive support. Unfortunately for the Longhorns, Georgia’s starting pitcher was even better. Volchko Delivers Historic Performance Junior right-hander Joey Volchko authored one of the finest pitching performances in College World Series history. Volchko threw a complete-game four-hitter, allowing just one unearned run while striking out a career-high 15 batters. His 15 strikeouts established a new Georgia College World Series record and represented the highest strikeout total by a Bulldog pitcher in Omaha. The dominant outing marked Georgia’s first nine-inning complete game of the season and the program’s first complete game in the College World Series since Mike Rebhan accomplished the feat during Georgia’s 1990 national championship run. Volchko struck out the side in both the first and fourth innings and consistently overpowered one of the nation’s most dangerous offensive lineups. Texas Struggles to Generate Offense The Longhorns never found a consistent answer against Volchko. Adrian Rodriguez and Ethan Mendoza each collected two hits, accounting for all four Texas hits on the night. The Longhorns managed their only run on an unearned scoring play and were unable to capitalize on limited opportunities throughout the contest. Texas entered Omaha as one of the nation’s top offensive teams but was held in check by Volchko’s command and Georgia’s defensive execution. The 15 strikeouts matched one of the highest totals recorded against Texas this season. Bulldogs Pull Away Late While Volchko controlled the game on the mound, Georgia added critical insurance runs during the seventh inning. Lujo continued his outstanding night by lining an RBI double to extend the lead. Moments later, Kenny Ishikawa delivered a two-run single that pushed the advantage to 7–1 and effectively ended any hopes of a Longhorn comeback. Lujo finished with three RBIs, while Ishikawa’s clutch hit helped Georgia create the final margin. The Bulldogs scored seven runs despite recording only a handful of hits, taking advantage of Texas mistakes and timely situational hitting. Georgia Continues Historic Season The victory represented another milestone in Georgia’s remarkable season. The Bulldogs improved to 52 wins, tying the program record established by the 1990 national championship team. Georgia also recorded its 31st victory of the season while holding an opponent to three runs or fewer, continuing a trend of dominant pitching and defense. Head coach Wes Johnson praised Volchko’s performance afterward, calling it one of the most impressive complete-game efforts he had witnessed. The Bulldogs advanced to face Oklahoma in a winner’s bracket showdown. Texas Faces Elimination Despite the loss, Texas remained alive in Omaha. The Longhorns received a quality start from Volantis and continued to show flashes of the offensive potential that carried them to the College World Series. However, the first-inning mistakes and inability to solve Volchko ultimately proved costly. Texas entered an elimination game against Alabama needing a victory to extend its season. Final Takeaway Georgia’s 7–1 victory over Texas was defined by Joey Volchko’s historic complete-game performance, timely hitting, and an explosive opening inning. The Bulldogs established control early and never allowed the Longhorns back into the game.  Texas battled behind Dylan Volantis but could not overcome early defensive mistakes or generate enough offense against one of the best pitching performances of the College World Series. With the victory, Georgia advanced in the winner’s bracket and moved two wins away from the national championship series.

Oklahoma Dominates Kansas to Clinch College World Series Berth LAWRENCE, Kan. — Oklahoma is headed back to Omaha after a commanding 13–2 victory over No. 15 seed Kansas on Monday afternoon in the NCAA Lawrence Super Regional. The Sooners completed a two-game sweep of the Jayhawks and secured their 12th Men's College World Series appearance in program history. The game resumed Monday after severe weather suspended play Sunday night with Oklahoma already holding an 8–1 lead. The Sooners picked up right where they left off, adding five more runs and overwhelming Kansas to advance to the College World Series for the second time in five years. Sooners Strike Early Oklahoma wasted little time establishing control. The Sooners scored in the first inning before Kansas briefly tied the game in the second on a two-out RBI single from Jordan Bach. The tie lasted only moments as Oklahoma erupted in the bottom half of the inning. A six-run second inning completely shifted the game. Dasan Harris delivered an RBI single, Kyle Branch added a squeeze bunt that brought home another run, and Camden Johnson drew a bases-loaded walk. Deiten Lachance then lined a two-run single before another bases-loaded hit-by-pitch capped the offensive outburst. By the end of the inning, Oklahoma held a commanding 7–1 advantage. Weather Delay Interrupts Momentum The Sooners added another run in the third inning when Dayton Tockey blasted a solo home run to right-center field, extending the lead to 8–1. Shortly afterward, severe weather moved into the Lawrence area and forced a suspension of play. The game resumed Monday afternoon with Oklahoma still firmly in control. Rather than slowing down after the overnight delay, the Sooners continued their offensive surge once play resumed. Home Run Barrage Puts Game Away Oklahoma effectively ended any hopes of a Kansas comeback during the sixth inning. Lachance launched a two-run home run before Harris followed moments later with another two-run blast. The back-to-back power display extended the lead to 12–1 and showcased the offensive firepower that has fueled Oklahoma’s postseason run. The Sooners added another insurance run in the eighth inning when Trey Gambill connected for a solo homer, pushing the lead to 13–2. The four-home-run performance continued a remarkable stretch in which Oklahoma hit seven homers during the Super Regional and 18 across seven NCAA Tournament games. Lachance Leads the Offensive Attack Lachance delivered one of the biggest performances of the afternoon. The catcher finished 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs, tying his season high in run production. His two-run single during the second inning helped ignite Oklahoma’s largest rally, while his sixth-inning homer effectively put the game out of reach. Harris added three RBIs and a home run, while Tockey and Gambill each contributed solo shots. Brendan Brock and Jason Walk also collected two hits apiece as Oklahoma’s lineup produced offense from top to bottom. The balanced attack generated 13 runs on another dominant day at the plate. Mercurius and Bullpen Deliver While the offense stole the headlines, Oklahoma received another strong performance on the mound. Freshman starter Xander Mercurius worked four innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out six batters. The right-hander continued his impressive postseason run and gave the Sooners exactly what they needed from the starting role. Nate Smithburg followed with 3.2 strong innings of relief, allowing only one hit and one run while earning the victory. Jason Bodin and Jackson Cleveland combined to finish the final innings and secure the series-clinching win. The pitching staff limited Kansas to just four hits all afternoon. Kansas Season Ends After Historic Year Despite the disappointing finish, Kansas completed one of the greatest seasons in school history. The Jayhawks finished 45–18, tying the school record for wins originally established in 1993. Kansas also hosted both an NCAA Regional and Super Regional for the first time in program history. Tyson LeBlanc provided one of the few offensive highlights with a solo home run in the eighth inning, his school-record 25th homer of the season. Bach also drove in a run during the second inning. Kansas concluded the year having set school records for conference victories, home runs, and pitching strikeouts while establishing itself among the nation’s top programs. Oklahoma Returns to Omaha The victory marked another milestone for head coach Skip Johnson and the Oklahoma program. The Sooners advanced to their 12th College World Series appearance and their first since finishing as national runner-up in 2022. Oklahoma also became one of only eight teams remaining in the pursuit of a national championship. The Sooners will open College World Series play against Alabama in Omaha. Final Takeaway Oklahoma’s 13–2 victory over Kansas was defined by overwhelming offense, dominant pitching, and relentless pressure throughout the game. The Sooners built an early lead, never allowed the Jayhawks to recover, and continued one of the most impressive postseason runs in the country. Kansas closed a historic season with a Super Regional appearance, but Oklahoma’s power and depth proved too much to overcome. With the win, the Sooners advanced to the Men’s College World Series and moved one step closer to competing for a national championship.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina punched its ticket to Omaha in dramatic fashion Sunday night, rallying late to defeat USC 4–3 in the deciding game of the Chapel Hill Super Regional at Boshamer Stadium. Owen Hull delivered the game-winning RBI double in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Tar Heels secured their 13th Men's College World Series appearance and their second under head coach Scott Forbes. The victory improved North Carolina to 50–12–1 and completed a remarkable comeback after dropping Game 1 of the series. The Tar Heels became the first North Carolina team to lose the opening game of a Super Regional and still advance to Omaha. USC concluded its outstanding season at 48–18 after coming within two outs of its first College World Series appearance since 2001. Trojans Strike First USC wasted little time grabbing the early advantage. In the opening inning, the Trojans manufactured a run after a leadoff double and a balk by North Carolina starter Caden Glauber allowed the runner to score from third base. The early run gave USC a 1–0 lead before many fans had settled into their seats. Despite the shaky start, Glauber quickly settled in and began attacking the strike zone. Over the next two innings, the freshman struck out five of seven batters and regained control against a dangerous Trojan lineup. Hull Delivers Early Answer North Carolina responded in the third inning. Jake Schaffner reached base before Hull drove a double down the right-field line, bringing home the tying run and evening the score at 1–1. The hit continued a strong postseason run for Hull, who would later become the hero of the night. The tie was short-lived, however, as USC quickly answered. Kevin Takeuchi launched a solo home run in the fourth inning to restore the Trojans’ lead at 2–1. One inning later, Andrew Lamb added another solo shot, extending the advantage to 3–1 and putting USC in position to close out the series. Glauber Keeps Carolina Within Reach Although USC held the lead, Glauber delivered one of the best performances of his young career. The freshman worked seven innings while recording a career-high 10 strikeouts. His 10 punchouts were the most by a North Carolina pitcher in an NCAA Tournament game since Patrick Johnson accomplished the feat during the 2011 Chapel Hill Regional. Despite surrendering three runs, Glauber consistently limited further damage and gave the Tar Heels an opportunity to mount a comeback. His outing proved critical as North Carolina searched for offense against USC starter Andrew Johnson. Johnson Dominates Through Seven Innings USC received an outstanding performance from Johnson. The Trojan right-hander held North Carolina in check for 7.2 innings and repeatedly escaped difficult situations. Johnson allowed only one run through seven innings and carried a two-run lead into the late stages of the game. For much of the evening, it appeared his effort would send USC to Omaha. The Trojans also received strong defensive support while protecting the lead deep into the contest. Tar Heels Begin the Rally North Carolina finally broke through in the eighth inning. Hull reached scoring position once again before Macon Winslow delivered a clutch hit off the wall in center field, driving home Hull and trimming the deficit to 3–2. The run injected life into the Boshamer Stadium crowd and gave the Tar Heels momentum entering the final inning. USC escaped additional damage in the eighth and carried a one-run lead into the ninth inning. With only three outs remaining in its season, North Carolina needed one final rally. Boshamer Magic Strikes Again The Tar Heels delivered when it mattered most. Cooper Nicholson opened the ninth by drawing a walk, bringing the tying run aboard. Carter French followed with a single, placing runners on the corners with one out. Schaffner then lifted a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Nicholson to score and tying the game at 3–3. USC elected to pitch carefully afterward, issuing another walk that brought Hull to the plate with two runners aboard. Hull, who had already doubled three times during the game, delivered once more. On a 1–1 pitch, he ripped a double into left field, scoring French from second base and touching off a celebration as North Carolina completed the walk-off victory. The hit secured one of the most dramatic wins in recent program history. Hull Leads the Tar Heels Hull emerged as the star of the night for North Carolina. The junior recorded four doubles and drove in two runs, including both the game-tying and game-winning scoring plays. His performance fueled the Tar Heels’ comeback and capped one of the strongest postseason outings of his career. Schaffner also played a major role offensively, scoring and driving in key runs during the late innings. Together, the duo helped lead North Carolina back from a two-run deficit. USC Season Ends in Heartbreak Despite the loss, USC completed one of its best seasons in more than two decades. The Trojans finished 48–18 and reached the Super Regional round for the first time since 2005. The 48 victories marked the program’s highest win total since 1998 and reflected the continued growth under head coach Andy Stankiewicz. Takeuchi and Lamb each homered in the decisive game, while Johnson delivered a performance worthy of a victory. Ultimately, the Trojans could not hold off North Carolina’s late surge. Omaha Awaits The win sent North Carolina to the College World Series for the ninth time since 2006, tying for the most appearances nationally during that span. The Tar Heels also secured Scott Forbes’ 250th career victory as head coach. North Carolina advanced to Omaha and earned a matchup with Ole Miss in the opening round of the College World Series. Final Takeaway North Carolina’s 4–3 victory over USC was defined by resilience, clutch hitting, and a dramatic ninth-inning comeback. Trailing by two runs entering the eighth inning, the Tar Heels refused to let their season end and produced one final rally in front of a packed Boshamer Stadium crowd. USC received outstanding pitching and held the lead for much of the night, but North Carolina’s late execution proved decisive.  With the walk-off victory, the Tar Heels advanced to the College World Series and continued one of the most successful seasons in program history.

LOS ANGELES — UCLA’s season was down to its final three outs Saturday evening, but the Bruins delivered another dramatic comeback, scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat Virginia Tech 6–5 in an NCAA Los Angeles Regional elimination game at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The victory kept the top-seeded Bruins alive in the NCAA Tournament and improved their record to 52–7. Virginia Tech finished its season at 30–26 after coming within a few outs of one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Hokies Strike First Virginia Tech opened the scoring in the third inning and immediately put pressure on UCLA. Sam Grube delivered an RBI single to give the Hokies a 1–0 lead after Virginia Tech generated early traffic on the bases. The advantage held through the middle innings as Hokie starter Brett Renfrow worked effectively against one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. Renfrow consistently escaped difficult situations, stranding runners in both the first and third innings to preserve the lead. Bruins Respond with Power UCLA answered in the fourth inning when Cashel Dugger launched a solo home run to tie the game at 1–1. The Bruins continued the rally moments later as Phoenix Call and Jarred Hocking delivered back-to-back doubles, giving UCLA its first lead of the contest at 2–1. The sequence shifted momentum toward the Bruins and energized the home crowd. Virginia Tech responded immediately in the fifth inning. Owen Petrich connected on a solo home run to tie the game at 2–2, continuing a trend that would define much of the contest. UCLA answered once again in the bottom half when Will Gasparino launched his 20th home run of the season, restoring a one-run lead at 3–2. Home Runs Fuel Virginia Tech Comeback The Hokies continued to battle and relied heavily on the long ball to regain momentum. Ethan Gibson opened the seventh inning with a solo home run that tied the game at 3–3. One inning later, Ethan Ball delivered another clutch solo blast, giving Virginia Tech a 4–3 advantage with only six outs remaining. Virginia Tech appeared to gain full control in the ninth inning. Gibson led off with a double before Hudson Lutterman lined an RBI single into right field, extending the Hokies’ lead to 5–3 and putting UCLA on the brink of elimination. At that point, the Bruins were down to their final opportunity to keep their season alive. Bruins Deliver Stunning Ninth-Inning Rally What followed became one of the most dramatic moments of the NCAA Tournament. Mulivai Levu opened the bottom of the ninth inning by crushing a solo home run to cut the deficit to 5–4. Before Virginia Tech could recover, Roman Martin stepped to the plate and immediately followed with another solo homer. Two pitches and two swings later, the game was tied at 5–5. The Bruins were not finished. Will Gasparino followed with a single and advanced into scoring position when Dominic Cadiz delivered a pinch-hit base hit. With runners on the corners and one out, Phoenix Call stepped to the plate and lined a single into left field. Gasparino raced home with the winning run, completing UCLA’s incredible comeback and sending the Bruins into celebration. Call Delivers Another Walk-Off Moment The game-winning hit added to an already remarkable stretch for Phoenix Call. The walk-off single marked his second game-winning hit in UCLA’s previous three games and capped the Bruins’ 30th comeback victory of the season. Throughout the year, UCLA repeatedly demonstrated an ability to recover from deficits, and Saturday’s performance may have been its most dramatic example. Call also contributed offensively earlier in the game with a double during UCLA’s fourth-inning rally. Barnett Keeps Bruins Within Reach While the late comeback stole the headlines, UCLA received a strong start from Michael Barnett. The senior right-hander worked six innings, allowing only three hits and three runs while striking out five batters. Two of the runs he surrendered came via solo home runs, but he consistently limited Virginia Tech’s opportunities throughout his outing. His performance allowed UCLA to remain within striking distance before the late rally unfolded. Easton Hawk earned the victory after working the ninth inning and recording two strikeouts. Virginia Tech’s Season Ends in Heartbreak Virginia Tech played well enough to win for much of the evening. The Hokies received quality pitching from Renfrow and generated offense through Petrich, Gibson, Ball, and Lutterman. Their three solo home runs helped build a late lead, and the team was only three outs away from eliminating the tournament’s top overall seed. Instead, UCLA’s dramatic rally brought the Hokies’ season to an abrupt end. Virginia Tech finished the year with 30 victories and nearly produced one of the most significant postseason upsets in recent NCAA Tournament history. Key Moments Define the Game The game was defined by the dramatic momentum swings that occurred throughout the final innings. Virginia Tech repeatedly answered UCLA’s rallies with home runs and appeared to secure the victory after Lutterman’s RBI single in the ninth. However, back-to-back homers from Levu and Martin instantly erased the deficit and shifted momentum completely. Call’s walk-off single completed the comeback and delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable finishes. Final Takeaway UCLA’s 6–5 victory over Virginia Tech showcased the resilience that has defined the Bruins throughout the season. Facing elimination and trailing by two runs in the ninth inning, UCLA responded with consecutive home runs and a walk-off hit to extend its season. Virginia Tech came within moments of eliminating the nation’s top overall seed but could not withstand UCLA’s final rally. With the victory, the Bruins survived another day in the NCAA Tournament and continued their pursuit of a national championship.

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn kept its NCAA Tournament hopes alive Saturday afternoon, outslugging NC State 17–13 in one of the highest-scoring games of the 2026 NCAA Baseball Tournament. The Tigers blasted five home runs and scored eight runs in the opening inning to eliminate the Wolfpack from the Auburn Regional at Plainsman Park. Auburn improved to 39–20 on the season and advanced in the elimination bracket, while NC State’s season ended at 32–24. The loss also marked the conclusion of legendary head coach Elliott Avent’s 30-year career leading the Wolfpack program. Tigers Erupt for Eight Runs in First Inning Facing elimination after a loss earlier in the regional, Auburn came out aggressively from the opening pitch. Mason McCraine opened the game with a single before Chase Fralick delivered a three-run home run just three batters into the contest. The Tigers continued to pile on runs as Chris Rembert, Bub Terrell, Ethin Bingaman, and Taylor Belza all contributed offensively during a massive first inning. By the time the frame ended, Auburn had scored eight runs on seven hits and sent 13 batters to the plate. The offensive outburst immediately placed NC State in a deep hole and changed the tone of the game. Auburn Extends Lead Early The Tigers continued their offensive assault in the second inning. Cade Belyeu launched a two-run home run to push Auburn’s lead to 10–0 and seemingly put the game out of reach. The homer was particularly notable for Belyeu, who entered the contest with only one home run on the season before delivering two against the Wolfpack. At that point, Auburn appeared firmly in control, but NC State refused to go away quietly. Wolfpack Mount Early Comeback NC State responded with one of its most impressive rallies of the season. The Wolfpack scored two runs in the second inning before erupting for five more in the third. Taking advantage of two Auburn throwing errors, NC State steadily chipped away at the deficit before Dalton Bargo launched a two-run home run that cut the lead to 10–7. The comeback energized the Wolfpack dugout and briefly shifted momentum toward the visitors. Bargo finished the afternoon with four RBIs and was one of several NC State hitters who produced big offensive numbers. Despite trimming the deficit to three runs, NC State could not complete the comeback. Auburn Answers with More Power Every time NC State threatened, Auburn responded. The Tigers regained control in the fourth inning when Ethin Bingaman launched his second home run of the game, extending the lead to 12–7. Bingaman finished 3-for-5 with three RBIs and three runs scored while recording his third multi-home run game of the season. The offensive pressure continued in the sixth inning. Belyeu crushed his second home run of the afternoon before Fralick delivered a two-run double and Rembert added an RBI single. The five-run inning pushed Auburn’s lead to 17–7 and created enough separation to withstand another NC State rally. Fralick Delivers Career Day Few players were more impactful than Chase Fralick. The Auburn outfielder finished with a career-high six RBIs while reaching base repeatedly throughout the game. His three-run homer in the first inning ignited the Tigers’ offense, and his two-run double in the sixth inning helped put the game away. Fralick’s production was critical in Auburn’s season-saving victory and highlighted the depth of the Tigers’ lineup. NC State Continues Fighting Despite trailing by 10 runs entering the later innings, NC State continued to battle. The Wolfpack scored two runs in the sixth inning and added four more in the seventh. Luke Nixon delivered another strong offensive performance, extending his hitting streak to 15 games, while Bargo continued to drive in runs. Freshman Vincent DeCarlo provided one of the bright spots for NC State, hitting the first home run of his collegiate career during regional competition. Christian Serrano also contributed an RBI during the late rally. The Wolfpack eventually scored six runs after trailing 17–7, but the deficit proved too large to overcome. Alvarez Earns Milestone Victory Auburn starter Andreas Alvarez benefited from the Tigers’ offensive explosion despite a challenging outing. The right-hander worked 5.2 innings, allowing nine runs, although only four were earned because of defensive miscues. Alvarez threw 105 pitches and became the first Auburn pitcher since Casey Mize in 2018 to record 10 wins in a season. After Alvarez exited, Auburn used multiple relievers before turning to All-SEC closer Jackson Sanders. Sanders recorded the final seven outs and helped secure the victory despite continued pressure from the Wolfpack offense. End of an Era for NC State The defeat brought an emotional conclusion to one of the most successful coaching careers in college baseball history. Elliott Avent finished his 30-year tenure at NC State with 1,103 victories at the school and 1,327 overall wins. He leaves as the winningest coach in program history and one of the most respected figures in the sport. The Wolfpack also finished the season among the nation’s top offensive teams and recorded 100 stolen bases, the second-highest total in program history. Auburn Survives and Advances The victory allowed Auburn to continue its postseason run and remain alive in the Auburn Regional. After suffering a disappointing loss to Milwaukee in the regional opener, the Tigers responded with one of their most explosive offensive performances of the season. Auburn’s five home runs, 17 runs, and relentless offensive pressure helped keep its season alive. Final Takeaway Auburn’s 17–13 victory over NC State was defined by an explosive first inning, five home runs, and timely responses whenever the Wolfpack threatened to rally. The Tigers built a massive early lead and generated enough offense to survive a game that featured 30 combined runs. NC State showed resilience throughout the afternoon but ultimately could not overcome the early deficit. With the victory, Auburn advanced in the NCAA Tournament and continued its postseason journey, while NC State’s season and the remarkable coaching career of Elliott Avent came to an end.