University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
UNC Wilmington
No. 1 Tar Heels Hold Off Seahawks, 6-5
February 21, 2007 | Baseball
Feb. 21, 2007
WILMINGTON, N.C. - Junior right-hander Mike Facchinei allowed just one hit over six-plus innings in his first career start, and right fielder Seth Williams hit a two-run home run to lead No. 1 North Carolina to a 6-5 win over host UNC Wilmington Wednesday at Brooks Field. The Tar Heels (4-0) allowed three runs in the ninth but held on for their fourth straight victory over the Seahawks (3-5).
Facchinei (1-0) allowed two runs on one hit and one walk, while striking out two. He carried a no-hitter into the sixth until UNCW right fielder Justin Barefoot broke up the no-hit and shutout bid with a solo homer in the sixth. The run was the first allowed by a Carolina starting pitcher this season, snapping a string of 24 consecutive scoreless innings.
In addition to Williams' key homer, second baseman Kyle Seager, shortstop Josh Horton and center fielder Drew Poulk each posted two hits on the day. Seager, who doubled twice, has a string of three straight multi-hit games, while Horton hit safely for the fourth straight outing. Additionally, first baseman Dustin Ackley reached base three times with his sixth double in seven hits on the season and a pair of walks.
With Carolina holding a 6-2 lead in the ninth, a walk and an error put two on for UNCW's Daniel Hargrave, who doubled to left to cut the lead in half. With two outs and Hargrave on third, Barefoot blooped a single just over UNC closer Andrew Carignan to cut the lead to one. Carignan then stuck out Grayson Evans to end the game with the tying run on base.
The Tar Heels held a two-run lead after three thanks to a two-out Steve Halford throwing error in the first, which allowed Ackley to score from third, and back-to-back doubles by left fielder Reid Fronk and Ackley in the third.
The first five batters reached in the fourth for Carolina, as it jumped out to a six-run cushion and ended the day for UNCW starter Jon Cantrell. Seager started the scoring with a double down the left field line to plate catcher Tim Federowicz from first, and Williams followed with his home run to left center to push the lead to 5-0. Fronk capped the scoring with a line drive sacrifice fly to left to drive in the fourth run of the frame. Williams' two-run home run was his first since March 17, 2006.
After Barefoot's home run in the sixth, the Seahawks trimmed the lead to four in the seventh when Halford drew a leadoff walk and later scored on a sacrifice fly from shortstop Jes Snyder.
Cantrell (0-1) allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks over three-plus innings. Left-hander Andrew Morgan was solid in relief for the Seahawks, allowing just two hits in 3 1/3 scoreless innings.
Senior Matt Danford pitched well in relief for the Tar Heels with two hitless innings, and Wilmington native Garrett Gore came off the bench and singled for the third consecutive at-bat in the ninth.
Carolina is back in action at home this weekend for a three-game set against Stony Brook. The Tar Heels and Seawolves will square off at 3 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
