Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech Hokies took an early three-run lead, but the No. 8 North Carolina Tar Heels scored six unanswered runs between through the middle frames and then held on for a 7-5 victory to even the ACC baseball series on Saturday afternoon at English Field at Union Park setting up a rubber match on Sunday.
Tech (16-7, 4-4 ACC) put two runs on the board in first as Luke Horanski knocked in Jack Owens with a sacrifice fly before Kerry Carpenter strolled home on Tanner Thomas' RBI double.
Nick Biddison, who had a career-high three hits in the game, led off the second frame with a solo home run, his second long ball of the season, which put the Hokies up 3-0.
North Carolina (17-7, 3-5 ACC) responded with six runs over the next four innings with Michael Busch accounting for five RBI in the span. He knocked in two with a single in the third, one in the fifth on a double and two more in the sixth with his second double of the afternoon that made it 6-3.
The Hokies scored single runs in the home half of the sixth and seventh to make it a one-run contest and came close to tying the game. Thomas scored on a wild pitch in the sixth and, with runners on first and second with two outs, Nick Owens double down the left field line. Kerry Carpenter scored, but Horanski was cut down at the plate.
The Tar Heels added an insurance run in the top of the ninth, while Tech tried to rally in the bottom of the inning with two outs. Carson Taylor singled for the second time and Horanski walked, bringing the winning run to the plate. However, UNC reliever Caden O'Brien got a grounder to first to end the game.
Up Next
The Hokies and Tar Heels will conclude their ACC series on Sunday at English Field at Union Park with a 1 p.m. start time.
Also, a reminder to fans looking to attend any ACC home games this season – tickets are required. CLICK HERE to purchase in advance.
Gallery: (3/23/2019) 2019 BASEBALL vs. UNC GAME TWO