How UNC Is Approaching a Must-Win Game 2 in the National Championship Series

They've been in this position before. That was North Carolina head coach Scott Forbes' message to his team on Saturday night. The Tar Heels dropped Game 1 of their weekend series to Boston College in the regular season. They did the same against Clemson. And most recently, they lost Game 1 of the Chapel Hill Super Regional vs. Southern California. (TarHeel247)

UNC basketball: First look at Terrence Brown in the Smith Center

Terrence Brown was a huge piece to the puzzle for Michael Malone's first roster-building process as the head coach of the UNC basketball program. Videos on social media surfaced of Brown getting in some reps at the Smith Center, and the clips of him knocking down shots will have Tar Heel fans excited to see what he can do for the upcoming season. (Keeping It Heel)

Lucas: A Series

Once the first pitch is thrown on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Eastern, nothing from Saturday carries over. UNC has to hope we've only seen a third of the innings of this series. The Tar Heels can't win two games on Sunday. But they can win one—must win one—and then see what happens in a decisive third game. There's very recent history to suggest it's doable. (GoHeels.com)

Diamond Heels Remain Confident Despite Game 1 Championship Setback

The tarp came on to the turf immediately following the final out, anticipating a night full of rain in Omaha. The ever-positive Scott Forbes hopes it washes away the feelings from Saturday’s loss. He seemed ready to move on minutes after the game ended. "We’ll flush that quickly, like we have been doing all year, and we’ll wake up excited to play tomorrow." (Chapelboro.com)

Ryan Lynch to Start Game 2 for UNC Against Oklahoma

UNC coach Scott Forbes is handing the ball to Ryan Lynch with their season on the line. The Tar Heels will start Lynch in Game 2 of the CWS on Sunday, a must-win for UNC to force a Game 3 Monday. Lynch was the Tar Heels' No. 2 starter behind Jason DeCaro in the regular season. In 94.1 innings this season, Lynch boasts a 4.20 ERA and a 5-4 record. (TarHeel247)

Video: UNC Baseball Post-Oklahoma CWS Game 1 Press Conference

North Carolina head baseball coach Scott Forbes, pitcher Jason DeCaro, and shortstop Jake Schaffner speak with the media on Saturday evening following the Tar Heels' 9-3 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in Game 1 of the College World Series finals in Omaha, Nebraska. (View Video)

Lucas: UNC Baseball vs. Oklahoma CWS Rapid Reactions (Game 1)

Oklahoma continues to roll, earning a 9-3 win over UNC in the first game of the best-of-three national championship series. As advertised, the Oklahoma offense is swinging the bat very well. Beyond just the nine runs that they scored (on 14 hits), the damage could have been worse. Oklahoma simply controlled the game offensively in every possible way. (GoHeels.com)

UNC Baseball faces elimination game after Oklahoma rolls to Game 1 victory in CWS

The pitching and defense that have carried UNC Baseball all season failed the Tar Heels during key moments on the biggest stage, and the offense faded after the first inning. That last pitch to get out of an inning couldn’t come soon enough, as Oklahoma plated five two-out runs in a 9-3 victory Saturday in Omaha in Game 1 of the College World Series Finals. (Tar Heel Tribune)

MCWS 2026 championship preview: The thrill of victory and Omaha agony

This is UNC's 13th trip to Omaha, but it has yet to return to Chapel Hill with a champion's trophy. Only one other program has made more visits without a ring, Carolina's ACC rival Florida State, which is 0-for-24. Nine of UNC's MCWS berths have come since 2006. This is the third time it has made it to the finals. Its first two came in back-to-back seasons (2006-07). (ESPN)

The Omaha Diaries, Day 6: Last Flags Flying

It’s been a long time – 19 years to be exact – since the North Carolina flag has flown that high this late into the summer. So before heading over to Charles Schwab Field, do yourself a favor and soak in this moment. Take Scott Forbes’ advice and enjoy some down time. Take in the spectacle of Omaha. Walk a lap around the block. Try and go find that flag. (Chapelboro.com)

UNC outfielder Carter French brings Bosh Magic to the College World Series

UNC won its first three games in Omaha, thanks to a pair of comebacks and a hot start. Carter French, who started each of those games in right field, says a little piece of Boshamer Stadium is North Carolina's good luck charm. “Yeah so, my mom gave me some dirt from The Bosh that she picked up after we won the Super Regional," French said. (USA Today)

5 Keys for UNC to Win a National Title

The Diamond Heels reached their third NCAA championship series in program history on Wednesday and now look to defeat Oklahoma in a best-of-three series to bring the ultimate prize back to Chapel Hill. Their last two opportunities came in consecutive seasons back in '06 and '07. Now facing the Sooners, UNC attempts to rewrite the script in 2026. (TarHeel247)

CWS finals predictions: Is it UNC's year or will Oklahoma keep surprising?

Is this finally the year UNC baseball breaks through and wins that elusive first title? The Tar Heels reached the CWS finals in 2006 and 2007, losing to Oregon State both times. Oklahoma may be a surprise finalist at the CWS, but the Sooners have been on a heater in the tournament and bring grit and confidence into this weekend's championship series. (USA Today)

UNC Baseball in the National Championship Series: How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Start Times

UNC will play for the national championship this weekend in a best-of-three series against Oklahoma. UNC is seeking its first national title in program history. Game 1’s first pitch was initially scheduled for 8 p.m., but the threat of inclement weather led organizers to bump up the start time to 3 p.m. Here are the details and how you can follow along. (Chapelboro.com)

North Carolina and Oklahoma Statistical Breakdown

UNC holds the advantage in fielding with a .983 fielding percentage (7th in the country) and 60 double plays (3rd). Oklahoma fields at a .974 clip with 50 double plays and 16 more errors on the season. OU has four batters hitting above a .300 average, while UNC has two. Owen Hull leads the Tar Heels (.398), with Jake Schaffner just behind him (.352). (TarHeel247)

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