UNC vs. NC State: Series preview, key to victory and more
TL;DR
North Carolina faces NC State in a crucial series, with the Tar Heels aiming to extend their five-game winning streak. The Wolfpack, led by veteran coach Elliot Avent, poses a significant challenge despite UNC's recent success against them.
Key points
- UNC Tar Heels have a record of 41-9-1
- NC State Wolfpack is 31-9
- Elliot Avent has over 1,000 wins at NC State
- NC State has a 40-37 overall record against UNC
- UNC is favored to win the series
Mentioned in this story
North Carolina hopes to finish the season strong against its bitter rival, NC State, in Raleigh.
The second-ranked Tar Heels (41-9-1) have won their last five games, including a win over Duke, a series sweep over Pitt, and a thrilling 13-7 victory over UNC Wilmington. However, the Wolfpack will be a tough matchup.
NC State (31-9) has always been well coached under the leadership of Elliot Avent, who is entering his 30th season at the helm. He is the only active Division I head coach with 1,000 wins at one school and has led the pack to three College World Series appearances, most recently in 2024.
NC State is 40-37 overall against the Diamond Heels and 22-16 when playing at Doak Field under Avent. While UNC is 6-3 in its last nine games against the Wolfpack, the Wolfpack defeated the Tar Heels in two of three games in their last series in 2024.
While the Tar Heels are favored to win the series, it is a rivalry, and anything can happen.
Here is a preview of the series, keys to victory and players to watch out for on both teams.
Series Schedule
- Game 1 (Thursday, May 14) – vs. NC State, Doak Field at Dali Park, 7 p.m., ACC Network
- Game 2 (Friday, May 15 – vs. NC State, Doak Field at Dali Park, 7 p.m., ACC Network
- Game 3 (Saturday, May 16) – vs. NC State, Doak Field at Dali Park, 2 p.m., ACCNX
Keys to Victory
Jun 8, 2025; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina infielder Gavin Gallaher (5) jersey during the seventh inning of the Super Regionals game against Arizona in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
- Control basepaths: NC State has stolen 97 bases, ranking 42nd nationally and fourth in the ACC.
- Getting on base: Two of the most disciplined pitching staffs in the ACC will face off. The team that is most aggressive and gets balls in play will have the advantage, but they first need to reach base.
- Stay calm: NC State is poised to make some key plays that could energize its lively home crowd. The Diamond Heels must maintain their composure to avoid giving up more opportunities.
Key Players to Watch from UNC
Jun 7, 2025; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina pitcher Jason DeCaro (29) pitches the ball during the first inning of the Super Regionals game against Arizona in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
Pitching Staff
- SP Jason DeCaro (9-2): 1.91 ERA, 61.0 IP, 20 runs (14 earned) on 55 hits, 29 walks, 61 strikeouts
- SP Ryan Lynch (4-4): 3.75 ERA, 69.2, 33 runs (29 earned) on 69 hits, 22 walks, 66 strikeouts
- RP Caden Glauber (7-0): 1.84 ERA, 58.2 IP, 15 runs (12 unearned) on 36 hits, 31 walks, 69 strikeouts
- RP Walker McDuffie (6-2): 2.60 ERA, 52.0 IP, 15 runs (all earned) on 33 hits, 4 saves, 30 walks, 67 strikeouts
Position Players
- OF Owen Hull: .370 batting average, 70 hits, 17 doubles, 0 triples, 5 home runs, 61 RBI, 16 stolen bases
- SS Jake Schaffner: .355 batting average, 71 hits, 14 doubles, 5 triples, 5 home runs, 34 RBI, 23 stolen bases
- C/DH Macon Winslow: .305 batting average, 54 hits, 11 doubles, 0 triples, 9 home runs, 47 RBI
- 1B Erik Paulsen: .301 batting average, 55 hits, 7 doubles, 0 triples, 8 home runs, 41 RBI
- 2B Gavin Gallaher: .276 batting average, 59 hits, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 10 home runs, 45 RBI, 6 stolen bases
- 3B Cooper Nicholson: .273 batting average, 42 hits, 14 doubles, 0 triples, 13 home runs, 41 RBI
Key Players to Watch from NC State
NC State Wolfpack's Luke Nixon (0) connects with the ball against the Stetson Hatters during the NCAA Baseball Regional Tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala., on Friday May 30, 2025.
Pitching Staff
- SP Cooper Consiglio (3-3): 5.34 ERA, 55.2 innings pitched, 38 runs (33 earned) on 48 hits, 26 walks, 68 strikeouts
- RP Anderson Nance (3-2): 4.10 ERA, 41.2 innings pitched, 20 runs (19 earned) on 45 hits, 19 walks, 52 strikeouts
- RP Sam Harris (2-1): 3.86 ERA, 35 innings pitched, 15 runs on 23 hits, 13 walks, 33 strikeouts
Position Players
- OF Rett Johnson: True freshman; leads team with .404 batting average, 69 hits and .512 on-base percentage (second in ACC); 10 doubles, home run and 29 RBI
- OF Ty Head: .283 batting average, 47 hits, 7 doubles, 13 home runs, 46 RBI, 25 stolen bases (fourth in ACC), 51 walks (leads ACC)
- 2B Luke Nixon: .367 batting average, 69 hits, 14 doubles (tied for most on team), three triples (leads team), eight home runs, 42 RBI
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC vs. NC State baseball: What to watch all weekend in key rivalry series
Q&A
What is the current record of the UNC Tar Heels baseball team?
The UNC Tar Heels have a record of 41-9-1.
How has NC State performed under coach Elliot Avent?
Elliot Avent has led NC State to three College World Series appearances and has over 1,000 wins at the school.
What is the historical record between UNC and NC State baseball teams?
NC State holds a 40-37 overall record against the Tar Heels.
What happened in the last series between UNC and NC State?
In their last series in 2024, NC State defeated UNC in two of three games.
