Anna 
The No. 6 North Carolina baseball team (16-4, 2-4 ACC) suffered a 5-0 defeat against Louisville (16-3, 2-1 ACC) on Sunday afternoon at Jim Patterson Stadium. Despite a strong start from senior pitcher Aidan Haugh, the Tar Heels struggled offensively, managing just one hit in the game.
Pitching Duel Early, But Errors Prove Costly
Haugh allowed only one earned run and one hit through six innings, but defensive mistakes hurt UNC in the first inning. Louisville’s Lucas Moore reached on a single to center field, followed by a throwing error that put two runners in scoring position. After a walk loaded the bases, Garrett Pike hit into a fielder’s choice to drive in a run, giving the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.
North Carolina had an early scoring chance in the second inning when graduate shortstop Alex Madera and right fielder Tyson Bass reached on walks. However, Louisville pitcher Peter Michael struck out two batters to escape the jam.
Haugh found his rhythm, retiring 10 straight batters and keeping the Tar Heels within reach. But UNC’s offense remained quiet, unable to capitalize on a sixth-inning leadoff walk by Luke Stevenson.
Louisville Breaks It Open Late
UNC’s first hit came in the seventh when Bass doubled off the left-field fence, advancing Madera to third. But relief pitcher Wyatt Danilowicz struck out the next batter, ending the threat.
Louisville extended its lead in the bottom of the seventh. A misplayed fly ball in right field turned into an RBI double for Tagger Tyson, making it 2-0. The Cardinals then broke the game open in the eighth with three more runs, highlighted by an RBI double from Matt Klein and a sacrifice fly.
The Tar Heels failed to put a runner on base in the ninth, sealing their second straight ACC series loss.
What’s Next?
North Carolina looks to rebound when they host UConn on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Boshamer Stadium.
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