Arizona Wildcats Rally to Beat UNC, Set Up Winner-Take-All Game

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Arizona Wildcats staged a thrilling comeback Saturday, defeating the No. 5 national seed North Carolina 10-8 in Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional at Boshamer Stadium. The victory forces a decisive Game 3 on Sunday for a spot in the College World Series.

After suffering a crushing 18-2 loss in the opening game, the Wildcats fell behind early again but refused to quit. They trailed at various points, including a precarious 8-6 deficit in the seventh inning. Arizona rebounded, showcasing a foxhole mentality defined by resilience and teamwork.

“These guys are very resilient,” said Arizona coach Chip Hale. “They were able to flush it and came back a couple of times today. I always tell them, it’s really fun to watch them play.”

Arizona’s dynamic offense shined, collecting 16 hits, the most North Carolina has allowed this season. Senior first baseman Tommy Splaine led the charge, going 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs. Splaine’s fourth-inning home run tied the game at 4, instilling belief that a comeback was possible.

Despite multiple pitching challenges, the Wildcats found ways to respond. They evened the score multiple times, answering back to North Carolina’s rallies. “We’re willing to do whatever to get there,” Splaine said. “We believe in all the guys in the locker room.”

In the seventh inning, after UNC took an 8-6 lead on a three-run homer by Tyson Bass, Arizona executed a heart-stopping reply, scoring four runs in the bottom half. Brendan Summerhill’s double and a subsequent wild pitch brought in runs as the Wildcats regained a two-run lead.

Closer Tony Pluta secured the win by overcoming struggles in the seventh, pitching 2⅓ strong innings to help Arizona emerge victorious. “It was pretty tough, but I was just able to grit it out a little bit,” Pluta said. “And we got the win.”

The deciding Game 3 is set for Sunday at 9 a.m. PT, with Arizona aiming for a return to the College World Series for the first time since 2021. “Being able to bounce back today was a big confidence piece,” Pluta added. “We know we can compete with this team and win.”