USC Trojans and North Carolina Tar Heels Face Off in Deciding Game for Omaha Spot
Jun 5, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; USC Trojans pitcher Mason Edwards (30) pitches the ball to the North Carolina Tar Heels during the third inning at Boshamer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
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The USC Trojans and North Carolina Tar Heels will compete in a decisive Game 3 of the Chapel Hill regional after each team secured a win. USC aims to end a 25-year absence from Omaha, while UNC looks to return after a long hiatus since 2007.
- 01USC Trojans rallied from a 5-1 deficit to win Game 1 against North Carolina 9-5.
- 02North Carolina's Jason DeCaro pitched a shutout in Game 2, leading to a 4-0 victory.
- 03USC has not advanced to Omaha since 2001, seeking their 13th national championship.
- 04Andrew Johnson is projected to start for USC in the crucial Game 3, with other pitchers potentially aiding in relief.
- 05North Carolina last reached Omaha in 2024, but has not made it to the championship since 2007.
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The USC Trojans and North Carolina Tar Heels are set for a decisive Game 3 in the Chapel Hill regional, following a split in the first two games. USC overcame a 5-1 deficit to win Game 1, 9-5, thanks to Dean Carpentier's first career grand slam. However, North Carolina responded with a dominant 4-0 shutout in Game 2, led by pitcher Jason DeCaro. The winner of this game will secure a spot in Omaha, with USC aiming to end a 25-year absence from the College World Series, last appearing in 2001. USC's head coach Andy Stankiewicz has not confirmed the starting pitcher but is leaning towards Andrew Johnson, indicating a collaborative effort from the pitching staff. North Carolina, which has not been to Omaha since 2024, will face a challenging atmosphere at Boshamer Stadium, with the home crowd backing the Tar Heels. Both teams are eager to advance, with significant stakes on the line for their respective programs.
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The outcome of this game could significantly affect the future of both baseball programs, with USC looking to reclaim its historic status and North Carolina aiming to return to competitive prominence.
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