North Carolina secured their first victory in the 2024 Men’s College World Series with a thrilling 3-2 walk-off win over Virginia. The Diamond Heels came out on top thanks to a clutch hit from Vance Honeycutt, a top-30 MLB draft prospect, in the bottom of the ninth inning. Pinch hitter Jackson Van De Brake set the stage with a leadoff double and Honeycutt delivered with a line drive to left field, bringing Van De Brake home for the winning run.
This win showcased UNC’s ability to stay strong in crucial moments, as they had also pulled off a walk-off victory against West Virginia in the Chapel Hill Super Regional. The Diamond Heels will now await the outcome of the Tennessee-Florida State matchup, which is set to begin later tonight at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The team’s resilience and talent have them poised for continued success in the tournament as they aim to make a deep run towards the championship.