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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Dominant pitching and a powerful offensive display paved the way for North Carolina's Tar Heels as they overpowered the Oklahoma Sooners 11-5 during Saturday night's NCAA baseball regional match. With Jason DeCaro striking out eight batters over six strong innings and Sam Angelo surprising everyone with two home runs, UNC took a firm grip on the double-elimination regional at Boshamer Stadium.

Starting pitcher Jason DeCaro carried a shutout into the sixth inning while the Tar Heels' batters gave him ample support, rapidly building a 9-0 lead. Carolina's early outburst was ignited by Sam Angelo’s three-run homer in the bottom of the first inning, pushing the team ahead 6-0. Angelo, who previously had only two home runs for the season, emerged as an unexpected hero with his performance.

The Tar Heels, the No. 5 national seed with a record of 44-12, are just one victory away from advancing to the super regional round. They now await the result of the elimination game between Oklahoma (36-21) and Nebraska (33-28), who will battle it out at noon Sunday for the chance to challenge UNC later that evening.

Tyson Bass added to the offensive onslaught with a solo home run in the fifth inning, part of a two-run night for him. Alex Madera's contribution included two RBIs, while Gavin Gallaher remained hot at the plate, going 4-for-4 to bring his regional tally to 6-for-7.

Oklahoma’s decision to start ace Kyson Witherspoon on Saturday backfired as UNC batters quickly dismantled him. Witherspoon, one of college baseball’s top pitchers with 120 strikeouts in 91 innings this season, struggled mightily against the Tar Heels, giving up nine runs on 10 hits, both season worsts. The team roughed him up right from the first inning, where Hunter Stokely’s RBI single set the tone and Angelo's three-run homer expanded the lead to 6-0.

DeCaro, who recently turned 19, continued to impress with his poise and command. He came into the match with a 1.89 ERA over his last six starts and delivered another solid performance, demonstrating his capability in high-pressure NCAA settings. Notably, DeCaro has already carved out an impressive postseason resume, featuring pivotal roles in last year's regional and super regional rounds, as well as the College World Series.

With this victory, North Carolina improved their home regional record to 38-9, reinforcing their dominance in regional play at Boshamer Stadium. Oklahoma’s defeat adds to the uphill battle faced by the Sooners, who are part of the 13 SEC teams entered in this tournament.