Oklahoma Defeats No. 5 North Carolina, Forces NCAA Regional Decider

In the NCAA Baseball Tournament Chapel Hill Regional, No. 5 seed North Carolina fell to Oklahoma 9-5, forcing a decisive winner-take-all game on Monday. Oklahoma's comeback was fueled by a pivotal five-run sixth inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Drew Dickerson and key hits by Jaxon Willits and Kyle Branch, overcoming North Carolina's earlier lead established by Gavin Gallaher's two-run double. Freshman lefty Jaden Barfield gave Oklahoma a strong start with four innings of one-run pitching, allowing the Sooners to rely on their bullpen effectively, including a six-out save from closer Dylan Crooks. North Carolina's pitching struggled, with starter Aidan Haugh walking nine batters and the relievers failing to contain Oklahoma's offense, despite the Tar Heels loading the bases with no outs in the eighth. Both teams now prepare for Monday's knockout game, where pitching depth will be crucial, as the winner advances to the Super Regional round. Oklahoma's ability to leverage less-used pitchers and timely hitting kept their postseason hopes alive against a favored North Carolina team.