Diamond Heels' Winning Streak Snapped At Six By Duke

Friday, March 24

Chapel Hill, N.C.

6 p.m.

North Carolina

17-6, 3-3

Duke

15-8, 4-4

Duke

North Carolina

Photo by: ANTHONY SORBELLINI

March 24, 2023 | Baseball

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By: UNC Athletics Communications

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Alex Mooney hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning and Fran Oschell struck out five in 2.2 innings to lead Duke over No. 15 North Carolina 8-5 on Friday night, snapping the Tar Heels' six-game winning streak.

Mooney's three-run two-out shot capped a four-run eighth inning. Tyler Albright singled following a one-out error and Giovanni DiGiacomo drove in the tying run on a fielder's choice to bring Mooney to the plate.

Damon Lux homered to lead off the seventh to make it a one-run game. Duke (15-8, 4-4 ACC) threatened to take the lead in the seventh as it loaded the bases, but UNC freshman Matthew Matthijs (0-1) struck out Alex Stone to temporarily preserve the lead.

"We just didn't get it done in the bullpen and more importantly we didn't get it done defensively," UNC head coach Scott Forbes said. "You've got to make plays, that's part of the game. Oschell (2-0) made some really big pitches for them. You've got to tip your hat."

The Tar Heels (17-6, 3-3 ACC) led 5-4 at the end of the seventh after trailing 3-1 entering the bottom of the sixth.

Johnny Castagnozzi ripped a two-run double down the left field line to tie the game in the sixth then Casey Cook sprinted home with the go-ahead run on a passed ball. Castagnozzi raced home with the Tar Heels' fourth run of the inning for a two-run lead.

"I love our team and I love our guys," Forbes said. "They jumped on us and they're up 3-1. We come back and score four. I felt really good at that point. [Matt] Poston is human. He made a mistake with a fastball and a really good player made him pay for it. That's a credit to Duke. I thought they played well."

UNC right-hander Connor Bovair lost his perfect game bid after 4.2 innings when designated hitter Chad Knight singled to center field. Knight raced to third base on a misplayed ball by Vance Honeycutt. Lux and DiGiacomo followed with an RBI single to give Duke the lead.

Bovair retired the first 14 Blue Devils he faced before Knight singled on a 1-2 pitch. Bovair struck out two batters in five innings, surrendering three runs on six hits.

The Tar Heels committed a season-high four errors, which led to four unearned runs.

The rubber match is scheduled Saturday, March 25, at 2 p.m. UNC Junior right-hander Jake Knapp (2-0, 3.10) will take the mound and will be opposed by Duke righty Alex Gow (2-1, 1.08).