Rice takes a page out of UNC’s playbook
OMAHA, NEB. - For once there was an epic comeback in the NCAA Tournament that didn’t involve North Carolina.
Friday at Rosenblatt Stadium, Rice came back from a 10-4 deficit in the fifth inning to take the first game of the College World Series 15-10.
Led by second baseman Aaron Luna, who had three RBI on two hits, the Owls slugged 19 hits against four Louisville pitchers.
Pitchers for both sides struggled, the two squads combined for 34 hits and five home runs. Rice freshman Ryan Berry had one of his worst outings, lasting just 2.2 innings while giving up five runs on seven hits.
Rice now awaits the winner of tonight UNC-Mississippi State game. Here’s a few things to look for in the Tar Heels’ first game in Omaha.
1. 1-for 13. That’s how North Carolina left-handed hitters fared the last time they faced a southpaw starter. South Carolina’s Arik Hempy kept Reid Fronk, Tim Fedroff, Dustin Ackley and Josh Horton at bay for six innings last Saturday. The Tar Heels will face another lefty tonight in MSU’s Justin Pigott. North Carolina’s ability to get its lefty bats going will decide the game.
2. Struggling Starters. UNC’s starters had a hard time finding their groove last weekend against South Carolina. Tonight’s starter Robert Woodard gave up six runs in his last outing, and if he struggles to find the zone it could be a long night for the Tar Heels.
3. Something’s gotta give. North Carolina has made a name for itself by coming from behind in four of its five wins in the postseason. On the other hand, the Bulldogs are 32-3 in games where they’ve led or have been tied after the sixth inning. If there’s a team the Tar Heels don’t want to fall behind against - it’s Mississippi State.
-David Ely