University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Virginia Commonwealth
Moyer's Walk-Off Home Run Lifts Tar Heels Over VCU, 7-6
April 15, 2003 | Baseball
April 15, 2003
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -North Carolina (27-11) defeated Virginia Commonwealth (26-10), 7-6 on Tuesday evening at Boshamer Stadium. The Tar Heels scattered just five hits through eight innings and trailed 6-3, but earned a victory in dramatic fashion as pinch hitter Wes Moyer came up with two outs in the ninth, hit a game-winning home run and was mobbed by his teammates as he crossed the plate.
The Rams jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first. After retiring the leadoff batter, Carolina starter Bryan Phillips hit two of the next three batters, walked Jeff Parrish and allowed a sacrifice fly to Joe Meador.
VCU added another run in the top of the third when Parrish lined to center, scoring Justin Mattison who had reached on a double.
The Rams scored three times in the top of the fourth to extend their lead to 6-0. RBI singles by Eric Latura and Anthony Granato gave VCU a six-run cushion to work with.
Trailing 6-1 in the bottom of the seventh, Carolina's Blair Waggett tripled into the right field corner, scoring Mike Daniel who singled earlier in the inning. Waggett then came around to score on a wild pitch, bringing the Tar Heels within three runs.
Carolina mounted a four-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning. With two outs, Adam Weaver reached on an error which gave the Tar Heels two runners on base. Waggett followed with a single up the middle which scored Daniel who reached earlier on a fielder's choice. Trailing 6-4 with two on and two out, Moyer pinch-hit for Greg Mangum and blasted a three-run, game-winning home run over the scoreboard in left field.
Carolina travels to East Carolina for a 7 p.m. game on Wednesday evening before hosting Duke for three games this weekend at Boshamer Stadium.
