Longest outing for UA’s closer clinches 10-8 UA victory in Game 2
CHAPEL HILL (NC) — Arizona closer Tony Pluta held down No. 5 North Carolina over the final two-and-a-third innings Saturday to secure a 10-8 win for the Wildcats and force a deciding Game 3 of the NCAA Baseball Super Regionals on Sunday at Boshamer Stadium.
It was Pluta’s (4-0) longest outing in innings and pitches (52) and he wasn’t particularly sharp, but got the big outs when needed.
He escaped a rally in the 8th on a controversial called third strike against Sam Angelo that stranded the tying runs on base. Angelo had homered earlier in the game.
There were six lead changes. The last two in the 7th inning. Arizona led 6-4 entering the frame. Tyler Bass’ three-run home run put the Tar Heels on top 7-6. The Wildcats countered UNC’s four-spot with four of their own in the bottom of the 7th.
NORTH CAROLINA POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
Brendan Summerhill had an RBI double and would later score on a wild pitch to tie the game at 8-8. Maddox Mihalakis gave Arizona its final lead with a two-out two-run double. Mihalakis finished the game with three RBI. Tommy Splaine homered and drove in two.
Arizona won despite their pitching staff allowing eight walks and hitting two batters.
Smith Bailey (3-3, 3.97) will get the ball on Sunday to try and send Arizona to the College World Series for the 1st time since 2021.
Coverage on Wildcats Radio 1290 will begin at 8:50 a.m. with Brian Jeffries. 1st pitch for the 3rd straight day is scheduled for 9:06 a.m. Tucson time. The television broadcast location is to be determined.
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