In an exhilarating showdown at the Truist Field, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons emerged victorious with a stunning 9-5 extra-inning win over the North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference Baseball Championship. First baseman Nick Kurtz's clutch two-run, opposite field home run in the top of the 12th inning proved to be the decisive blow that propelled the No. 8-seeded Demon Deacons to an unexpected triumph.

The game started off with Wake Forest taking an early lead in the third inning when Marek Houston launched a solo home run, putting them ahead 1-0. In the following frame, Adam Tellier added to the Demon Deacons' advantage with another solo shot, doubling their lead to 2-0.

Although Wake Forest appeared to be in control, the resilient Tar Heels refused to be shut out. In the bottom of the seventh, they staged a comeback, scoring three runs against the Demon Deacons' bullpen. An RBI fielder's choice by Harber and back-to-back RBI singles from Donofrio and Stevenson narrowed the deficit to 4-3, injecting newfound life into North Carolina's hopes of a comeback.

With tensions mounting, both teams battled fiercely in the late innings, leaving players on base and missing opportunities. In the bottom of the eighth, the nationally ranked Tar Heels seized their first lead of the game at 5-4. But the Demon Deacons weren't about to let the game slip away.

Showing incredible resilience, Wake Forest mounted a comeback of their own in the top of the ninth. With just one out left, Nick Kurtz stepped up and delivered, smacking a double to right-center field, allowing pinch runner Cameron Nelson to score and tying the game at 5-5.

The contest then entered a gripping extra-inning showdown, where both teams struggled to gain an advantage. Wake Forest held off North Carolina's scoring opportunities in the 10th and 11th innings, while the Tar Heels were unable to capitalize on loaded bases in the 11th.

Finally, in the top of the 12th inning, it was Nick Kurtz who took center stage once again. With a momentous swing of the bat, he crushed a two-run, opposite field homer, igniting a surge of celebration among the Wake Forest faithful. Kurtz's heroics propelled the Demon Deacons to a commanding 9-5 lead that they would hold onto till the end.

Kurtz's remarkable performance throughout the game cannot be understated. Finishing the night 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, two walks, three RBIs, and a run scored, he epitomized the resilience and determination that powered Wake Forest to victory.

Despite the valiant efforts of the Tar Heels, which saw multiple players contribute with multiple hits, it wasn't enough to overcome Wake Forest's formidable display. Pitcher Chase Burns, named ACC Pitcher of the Year, struck out an impressive 15 batters over six innings but ultimately couldn't secure the win.

Instead, the victory went to Wake Forest's Ben Shenosky (5-3), who pitched 0.2 of an inning in the 11th and played a crucial role in stifling North Carolina's offense.

Both teams showcased their depth and versatility by employing multiple pitchers and utilizing a total of 25 players for Wake Forest and 18 players for the Tar Heels.

With this stunning upset, Wake Forest has firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference Baseball Championship. Their unwavering determination and ability to come through in clutch moments makes them a team to watch as the tournament progresses.