OMAHA, Neb. — Oklahoma took a commanding 1-0 lead in the College World Series finals by defeating North Carolina 9-3 on Saturday, edging closer to its third national championship in baseball. The Sooners improved to 42-22 with their ninth consecutive victory, while the Tar Heels fell to 53-12-1.

The game featured a strong offensive showing from Oklahoma, highlighted by Deiten Lachance, who hit two home runs off North Carolina starter Jason DeCaro. Lachance’s blasts came in the first and third innings, helping the Sooners establish an early lead and tie the game at three runs apiece. Known as “Big Maple,” the 6-foot-5, 231-pound Canadian has been a powerful force throughout the season, having hit all 18 of his home runs during the last 32 games.

Despite North Carolina’s early success, scoring three runs in the first inning, Oklahoma took control in the fourth. The Sooners scored four runs with two outs, breaking a 3-3 tie. Kyle Branch delivered a two-run single, which was followed by an additional run brought home by Jason Walk’s base hit and another from Camden Johnson’s single. This surge put Oklahoma ahead 7-3 and marked the end of DeCaro’s solid stretch, as he surrendered all seven runs after an otherwise strong season with a 2.31 ERA.

Oklahoma’s pitching stabilized after the fourth inning. Starter Cord Rager, who entered with a series of 15 2/3 scoreless innings over his past three outings, gave up three runs in the first but then settled down effectively. Relievers Gavin Jones and LJ Mercurius combined to allow only two runners to reach second base over the remainder of the contest.

The Sooners’ power hitting was a defining factor throughout the tournament. They have hit 45 of their 93 home runs in the last 17 games and have accumulated 10 home runs across four College World Series games, the most by any team since the event moved to Charles Schwab Field in 2011.

The Tar Heels, aiming for their first national title, will attempt to extend the series to a decisive Game 3 on Monday. Oklahoma will have the opportunity to close out the championship with a win in Game 2 on Sunday.

Defensively, North Carolina’s Carter French made a standout play in the third inning, catching a deep drive to right field despite his glove getting caught under the padding atop the fence. French managed to maintain control of the ball and secured the out, a highlight in an otherwise challenging day for the Tar Heels.