**UNC Dominates Arizona in Super Regional Opener, One Win Away from College World Series**

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The North Carolina Tar Heels' bats came alive in a record-setting display as they demolished Arizona 18-2 in the first game of their NCAA super regional series. This offensive barrage brought UNC within one win of returning to the College World Series.

Although ace pitcher Jake Knapp, who remains unbeaten this season, didn't deliver his best performance, it was more than enough as the Tar Heels surged ahead behind stellar batting. Knapp, named the ACC Pitcher of the Year, worked into the eighth inning and enhanced his season record to 14-0.

UNC's offensive explosion featured four home runs, starting with three-run blasts from Hunter Stokely and Luke Stevenson in the game's early stages. The Tar Heels swiftly took control by racking up a 5-1 lead in the first inning and extended it to 8-1 by the second inning, rendering Arizona's starting pitcher Owen Kramkowski helpless as he exited before the second inning ended.

Sam Angelo and Kane Kepley capped off the offensive fireworks in the eighth inning with a three-run homer and a solo shot, respectively. Their contributions helped the Tar Heels set a program record for most runs scored in a super regional game.

Carolina, boasting a 46-13 record, can secure their trip to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, by winning either Saturday's second game or Sunday's potential decider. Arizona, with a 42-19 record, arrived in Chapel Hill after an eight-game winning streak, including a victory in the regional hosted by Oregon, but suffered their first postseason loss.

Notably, UNC's offensive output was complemented by stellar performances from individuals like Gavin Gallaher, who continued his hot streak in the NCAA Tournament by going 17-for-23 with 12 RBIs across five games.

Initially, Arizona struck first when Adonys Guzman singled to bring Aaron Walton, who had doubled, home in the top of the first inning. However, UNC responded emphatically, with Stevenson and Gallaher setting the stage before Stokely's three-run homer solidified their lead.

Stevenson, who had been in a slump, silenced critics with another three-run homer in the second inning, pushing the score to 8-1 and forcing Arizona to pull Kramkowski from the mound. Stevenson had been struggling, going 1-for-20 since the ACC Tournament semifinals, but his resurgence was instrumental in UNC's dominant win.

The final score of the game at Boshamer Stadium left no doubt about UNC's determination and capability as they eye a return to college baseball's biggest stage.