North Carolina, East Carolina Set for Thrilling Baseball Showdown

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – No. 6 North Carolina is gearing up for a highly anticipated three-game baseball series against East Carolina, set to begin this weekend in Durham, N.C. The series, which features two storied programs, was impacted by weather adjustments that moved the first game from Greenville to the neutral site at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The first game will take place Saturday, Feb. 22, at 12:30 PM, followed by Game 2 on Sunday at 1 PM in Chapel Hill and Game 3 on Monday at 5 PM in Greenville.

North Carolina enters the series with a perfect 4-0 record, while East Carolina is at 2-2 after a rocky start. Head Coach Scott Forbes, in his fifth season, boasts a 158-89 career record, and has faced ECU eight times, recording a 5-6 mark in those matchups. Meanwhile, East Carolina’s Cliff Godwin holds a career record of 399-189-1 over 11 seasons, with a 9-10 record against North Carolina.

In their 98 meetings, this weekend marks only the second time these teams will compete in Durham, with UNC leading the neutral site series 6-4. The last encounter at the DBAP resulted in a 5-4 victory for the Tar Heels, driven by Michael Busch‘s two hits and two RBIs. Notably, this matchup marks UNC’s first game at the DBAP since the 2023 ACC Tournament.

East Carolina comes into this series looking to rebound after a midweek loss to Campbell, where they dropped a close 3-2 game. Coach Godwin’s team is looking to build upon last year’s success, which saw them win the American Athletic Conference (AAC) regular season title for the fifth consecutive time with a 46-17 record.

The Pirates have received recognition ahead of the season, with Dixon Williams being named Preseason AAC Player of the Year and Sean Jenkins earning Preseason Pitcher of the Year honors, solidifying their status as a formidable competitor this weekend.

UNC’s recent performance includes a tight 12-9 victory over Kansas State, showcasing their potent offense which has yet to hit a home run this season—a first for the program since May 2018. Despite this, their ability to generate runs has been strong, attributed to strategic play and effective hitting.

The Tar Heels also highlight the impact of their true freshmen, who have quickly stepped up in critical moments this season. The trio has been instrumental for the Heels, contributing to the team’s early success with impressive pitching performances each outing.

The return of veteran pitcher Tyler Knapp, who has been out since 2024 due to injury, also significantly boosts the Tar Heels as they approach the season’s first stretch of rivalry games. As the team gears up to face East Carolina, they will count on his leadership and experience on the mound.

As both teams prepare, the rivalry promises to deliver excitement, with players on both sides looking to make their mark early in the season. Spectators can anticipate an electrifying atmosphere in Durham as these two fierce competitors go head-to-head.