The North Carolina Tar Heels faced a heartbreaking 9-5 loss against the USC Trojans, despite holding a 5-1 lead going into the sixth inning. This defeat means the Tar Heels are now in a must-win situation for their next game, or their season will come to an end. Starting pitcher Jason DeCaro is set to take the mound again, having struggled in his previous outings, failing to pitch beyond the fourth inning in consecutive games. Pitching coach Bryant Gaines emphasized the need for DeCaro to improve his execution during two-strike situations to counteract USC's strong offense, which has scored over 60 runs in their last six games. The projected starting lineup for the Tar Heels includes players like Jake Schaffner and Gavin Gallaher, aiming to capitalize on their recent offensive consistency. However, the team will need to overcome their pitching woes, particularly in the sixth and seventh innings, to extend their season into Sunday. A strong offensive performance will be crucial, potentially requiring double-digit runs to secure a win against the Trojans.