UNC-Pitt baseball: 3 keys to a Diamond Heels victory

The Diamond Heels plated six first-inning runs against Duke last Sunday, giving themselves the breathing room needed for a blowout win. It's tough for teams to play from behind, so North Carolina needs to establish its hitting attack early.

UNC's pitching staff, amongst the nation's best, has to limit damage on the basepaths. Sunday's 13-0 win was a step in the right direction, but a 12-2 loss vs. Coastal Carolina is exactly what the Diamond Heels needed to avoid.

If North Carolina starts strong each game, the bullen will shut Pitt down.

Don't underestimate the Panthers

![Appoquinimink's Lorenzo Carrier rounds second on his way to a two-out triple in the first inning in the Seahawks' 9-5 win in the DIAA state tournament championship at Frawley Stadium, Monday, May 31, 2021. Carrier was left stranded on third.

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Appoquinimink's Lorenzo Carrier rounds second on his way to a two-out triple in the first inning in the Seahawks' 9-5 win in the DIAA state tournament championship at Frawley Stadium, Monday, May 31, 2021. Carrier was left stranded on third. Dma 9 Appoquinimink 5

Pitt can mash. The Panthers have an overall winning record, but find themselves amidst a deep ACC.

Lorenzo Carrier leads Pitt with 18 home runs and 61 runs batted in. Right behind Carrier is Calin Duden, with 12 bombs 43 RBI.

The Panthers might not have UNC's pitching, but their bats are arguably better.

Don't blow up in late innings

Jun 18, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels pitcher Matthew Matthijs (24) throws after losing his hat during the third inning against the Florida State Seminoles at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

UNC hung tough with Coastal Carolina, until the Chanticleers started teeing off an usually-reliable bullpen. Matthew Matthijs, who won 12 games in 2024, gave up three runs on three hits to Coastal batters.

As previously mentioned, Pitt has the batters to give Diamond Heels pitchers trouble. North Carolina has to slug early, giving its bullpen a massive cushion in the later innings.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC baseball: 3 keys to victory vs. Pitt Panthers