Overview
- USC rallied from a 5-1 deficit to beat North Carolina 9-5 in Game 1, with Dean Carpentier’s go-ahead grand slam in the sixth inning shifting the momentum and scoreline.
- The grand slam came off UNC reliever Walker McDuffie and was followed by three more USC runs in the seventh that sealed the road victory.
- North Carolina now faces elimination and must win Game 2 at Boshamer Stadium on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET to force a deciding Game 3.
- UNC plans to turn to ace Jason DeCaro on the mound for Game 2, and coaches have flagged recent bullpen struggles as the chief tactical concern that could determine the series.
- USC reached the super regional after consecutive upsets of No. 11 Texas A&M in College Station and will advance to the Men’s College World Series with one more win.