Tar Heels force Game 3 in College World Series finals

Monday, June 22, 2026

North Carolina defeated Oklahoma 6-2 in Game 2 of the College World Series finals, tying the series and forcing a winner-take-all Game 3. Freshman reliever Caden Glauber's strong five-inning performance was key in maintaining North Carolina's perfect record when he pitches, setting the stage for a decisive championship match on Monday.

OMAHA, Neb. — North Carolina evened the College World Series finals against Oklahoma with a 6-2 victory in Game 2 on Sunday, forcing a decisive winner-take-all Game 3 on Monday night. The Tar Heels, seeking their first national championship in baseball, rebounded from a 9-3 loss in the opening game.

North Carolina coach Scott Forbes made a critical pitching adjustment when starter Ryan Lynch left the game in the fifth inning due to a left oblique injury. Freshman reliever Caden Glauber, who has been a reliable arm throughout the season, entered the game and delivered five strong innings, striking out eight and allowing no runs. With Glauber on the mound, the Tar Heels extended their undefeated record to 29-0 when he appears. Glauber, who enrolled at Carolina at 17 after graduating high school a year early, finished the College World Series with an impressive 2.05 ERA and a 12-0 record, primarily pitching in relief.

Oklahoma’s freshman starter Xander Mercurius began the game by striking out six of the first seven batters but faltered in the third inning. North Carolina capitalized when Jake Schaffner delivered a two-run triple and scored on a wild pitch, putting the Tar Heels ahead 3-2. Mercurius exited the game after the fifth inning following a home run by Owen Hull, marking his second homer of the series. Cooper Nicholson also contributed a home run for North Carolina.

The Sooners, who entered the finals with an average of 9.4 runs per game in the postseason, struggled offensively for much of the contest. After scoring twice in the first inning, Oklahoma managed only four hits and five baserunners total, marking their fewest runs and hits in a game since losses earlier in the season.

Despite the setback, Oklahoma coach Skip Johnson expressed confidence heading into the final game, emphasizing that his team still has a chance to clinch the national title. Both teams will prepare for Monday’s deciding game, with North Carolina seeking its inaugural championship and Oklahoma aiming to capture its first title since 1994.