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North Carolina’s journey toward the College World Series continues with a triumphant performance on Monday. The Tar Heels secured their spot in the super regional round by defeating Oklahoma 14-4 in a decisive NCAA baseball regional finale at Boshamer Stadium.

Carolina's freshman pitcher, Ryan Lynch, showcased extraordinary poise in a high-stakes starting assignment. With their season on the line, Lynch’s stellar pitching anchored the team. Gavin Gallaher’s two home runs and four RBIs, combined with contributions from Jackson Van De Brake and Hunter Stokely, powered UNC’s offense. The team amassed a total of 17 hits, establishing commanding early leads of 3-0 in the first inning and 8-2 by the fourth.

Walker McDuffie, another freshman, closed the final four innings, seamlessly executing Coach Scott Forbes’ envisioned game plan. This victory marked UNC's 12th advancement to the NCAA super regionals in program history. As the No. 5 national seed, the Tar Heels (45-13) now prepare to host Arizona (42-18) in a best-of-three series.

Joining ACC compatriots Duke, Florida State, and Louisville in the super regionals, UNC stands just two victories away from consecutive College World Series appearances. Oklahoma (38-21), having showcased grit by surviving elimination twice on Sunday, ultimately fell short in this pivotal game. Their previous victories over Nebraska and UNC forced the winner-take-all final.

The Tar Heels demonstrated resilience, having only suffered back-to-back losses once this season. They quickly took control in Monday's game, with Hunter Stokely’s early two-run double and Alex Madera’s single contributing to a 3-0 lead after the first inning. Despite a two-run homer from Oklahoma’s Drew Dickerson in the second, UNC’s four-run burst in the third inning, with crucial two-out hits, effectively sealed the game.

Ryan Lynch, making his second start of the season, delivered six strikeouts over five innings, receiving a standing ovation as he left the mound. Lynch's performance, supported by McDuffie's closing innings, epitomized the Tar Heels' robust pitching strategy, paving their way forward in the tournament.