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UEFA Champions League — Liverpool captain Van Dijk says PSG ‘deserved’ semifinal spot  Virgil van Dijk had no complaints after Liverpool was knocked out of the Champions League by title-holder Paris Saint-Germain in a defeat compounded by a serious injury to Hugo Ekitike.Ousmane Dembele’s double sealed a 2-0 quarterfinal second-leg win for PSG against an outclassed Liverpool on Tuesday.Six-time European champion Liverpool was, however, still fortunate to be in the tie after escaping from last week’s first leg at the Parc des Princes with just a 2-0 defeat after entering what Reds manager Arne Slot labelled “survival mode”.Premier League champion Liverpool was much improved compared to the first leg but that was scant consolation to club captain Van Dijk who, when suggested his side had at least given it a go on home soil, replied: “That’s the bare minimum, isn’t it? It’s disappointing to be knocked out but PSG deserved to go through.“Knocking on the door is not enough. I’m disappointed that we were knocked out, but that is the reality. I think PSG deserved to go through based on the two games.”Tuesday’s loss put paid to any lingering hopes Liverpool had of winning a trophy this season and also appeared to signal an abrupt end to Ekitike’s first season at Anfield.The 23-year-old has scored 17 goals in 45 matches in all competitions since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt and was set to go to this summer’s World Cup with France.But he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after going down awkwardly in the first half, with Slot saying the injury looked “really bad” and would be investigated further on Wednesday.Liverpool had still to confirm the severity of the injury on Wednesday following reports the striker had ruptured an Achilles tendon, which would potentially sideline him for at least nine months.Alexander Isak’s return to fitness means he looks set to lead the line against Everton on Sunday in the first Merseyside derby at the Toffees’ new Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Liverpool will continue its bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League.“We should be very disappointed at this stage and at this point,” said Van Dijk.“But a massive game awaits for us. We all know how big it is. It will obviously be a tough one but it is something to look forward to. But at this stage, I’m just not in a good place because we got knocked out of the Champions League.”Published on Apr 15, 2026  #UEFA #Champions #League #Liverpool #captain #Van #Dijk #PSG #deserved #semifinal #spot

UEFA Champions League — Liverpool captain Van Dijk says PSG ‘deserved’ semifinal spot

Virgil van Dijk had no complaints after Liverpool was knocked out of the Champions League by title-holder Paris Saint-Germain in a defeat compounded by a serious injury to Hugo Ekitike.

Ousmane Dembele’s double sealed a 2-0 quarterfinal second-leg win for PSG against an outclassed Liverpool on Tuesday.

Six-time European champion Liverpool was, however, still fortunate to be in the tie after escaping from last week’s first leg at the Parc des Princes with just a 2-0 defeat after entering what Reds manager Arne Slot labelled “survival mode”.

Premier League champion Liverpool was much improved compared to the first leg but that was scant consolation to club captain Van Dijk who, when suggested his side had at least given it a go on home soil, replied: “That’s the bare minimum, isn’t it? It’s disappointing to be knocked out but PSG deserved to go through.

“Knocking on the door is not enough. I’m disappointed that we were knocked out, but that is the reality. I think PSG deserved to go through based on the two games.”

Tuesday’s loss put paid to any lingering hopes Liverpool had of winning a trophy this season and also appeared to signal an abrupt end to Ekitike’s first season at Anfield.

The 23-year-old has scored 17 goals in 45 matches in all competitions since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt and was set to go to this summer’s World Cup with France.

But he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after going down awkwardly in the first half, with Slot saying the injury looked “really bad” and would be investigated further on Wednesday.

Liverpool had still to confirm the severity of the injury on Wednesday following reports the striker had ruptured an Achilles tendon, which would potentially sideline him for at least nine months.

Alexander Isak’s return to fitness means he looks set to lead the line against Everton on Sunday in the first Merseyside derby at the Toffees’ new Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Liverpool will continue its bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

“We should be very disappointed at this stage and at this point,” said Van Dijk.

“But a massive game awaits for us. We all know how big it is. It will obviously be a tough one but it is something to look forward to. But at this stage, I’m just not in a good place because we got knocked out of the Champions League.”

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#UEFA #Champions #League #Liverpool #captain #Van #Dijk #PSG #deserved #semifinal #spot

Virgil van Dijk had no complaints after Liverpool was knocked out of the Champions League by title-holder Paris Saint-Germain in a defeat compounded by a serious injury to Hugo Ekitike.

Ousmane Dembele’s double sealed a 2-0 quarterfinal second-leg win for PSG against an outclassed Liverpool on Tuesday.

Six-time European champion Liverpool was, however, still fortunate to be in the tie after escaping from last week’s first leg at the Parc des Princes with just a 2-0 defeat after entering what Reds manager Arne Slot labelled “survival mode”.

Premier League champion Liverpool was much improved compared to the first leg but that was scant consolation to club captain Van Dijk who, when suggested his side had at least given it a go on home soil, replied: “That’s the bare minimum, isn’t it? It’s disappointing to be knocked out but PSG deserved to go through.

“Knocking on the door is not enough. I’m disappointed that we were knocked out, but that is the reality. I think PSG deserved to go through based on the two games.”

Tuesday’s loss put paid to any lingering hopes Liverpool had of winning a trophy this season and also appeared to signal an abrupt end to Ekitike’s first season at Anfield.

The 23-year-old has scored 17 goals in 45 matches in all competitions since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt and was set to go to this summer’s World Cup with France.

But he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after going down awkwardly in the first half, with Slot saying the injury looked “really bad” and would be investigated further on Wednesday.

Liverpool had still to confirm the severity of the injury on Wednesday following reports the striker had ruptured an Achilles tendon, which would potentially sideline him for at least nine months.

Alexander Isak’s return to fitness means he looks set to lead the line against Everton on Sunday in the first Merseyside derby at the Toffees’ new Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Liverpool will continue its bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

“We should be very disappointed at this stage and at this point,” said Van Dijk.

“But a massive game awaits for us. We all know how big it is. It will obviously be a tough one but it is something to look forward to. But at this stage, I’m just not in a good place because we got knocked out of the Champions League.”

Published on Apr 15, 2026

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#UEFA #Champions #League #Liverpool #captain #Van #Dijk #PSG #deserved #semifinal #spot

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LaMelo Ball hurt Bam Adebayo by tripping him in NBA play-in, and Erik Spoelstra’s response says it all <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Heat and Hornets gave us an instant classic to kick off the NBA Playoffs with their overtime thriller, but the conversation following the game was understandably focused on an ugly moment which happened at the start of the second quarter.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">LaMelo Ball was driving to the basket when he fell to the ground on some light contact. Bam Adebayo recovered the ball, tried to keep it inbounds on one leg, when Ball tripped the Heat star, causing him to fall hard and be forced out of the game with a lower back injury.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The incident has been hotly debated. The angle above is damning, and it appears clear that Ball tripped Adebayo on purpose. Another angle from behind the play is less conclusive, looking more like LaMelo was flailing while complaining for a foul, and happened to pull Adebayo’s ankle as a result. Further muddying the water was a lack of a foul on the play, with a referee standing <em>right</em> <em>at the baseline</em>, but not making a call.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Adebayo was listed as questionable to return with a lower back injury and was later downgraded to being out — playing only 11 minutes.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was understandably heated after the game and didn’t hold back. While he credited the Hornets for making plays down the stretch, he acknowledged that not having Adebayo hurt his team in the elimination game.</p></div><div><blockquote class="duet--article--blockquote _1teeyfa0 ls9zuh9"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1">“I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head, didn’t really know where I was — but I’m going to check on hin, make sure he’s okay and everything.”</p></blockquote></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The big question now is whether or not the NBA will take any action against LaMelo Ball. The Hornets are set to play the loser of Magic/76ers on Friday to determine the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. If the league decided a suspension was warranted for the trip it would essentially ensure Charlotte would lose that game, with Ball being the most important player on the Hornets. However, without a foul being called on the play it would be highly unusual for the NBA to suspend a player, meaning that LaMelo could get away with a fine.</p></div> #LaMelo #Ball #hurt #Bam #Adebayo #tripping #NBA #playin #Erik #Spoelstras #response

Deadspin | WTA roundup: Paula Badosa bounces Coco Gauff in Berlin  Mar 21, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Iva Jovic (USA) hits a backhand against Paula Badosa (ESP)(not pictured) on day five of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images   Spain’s Paula Badosa, the 142nd-ranked player in the world, shocked No. 5 seed Coco Gauff 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday to advance to the Berlin Tennis Open quarterfinals.  Gauff, the world’s No. 7 player, owned a 12-4 advantage in aces, but Badosa went 4-for-5 on break points in the last two sets while Gauff converted just 1 of 2. Badosa, who was ranked as high as No. 2 in 2022, is 5-3 all-time vs. Gauff.  Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula moved into the quarterfinals of this WTA 500 event with straight-set wins. Sabalenka handled Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-4 while Pegula took care of Czechia’s Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 6-4.  Unseeded Czech Nikola Bartunkova earned a quarterfinal matchup with Sabalenka by knocking off Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-4. The Phillippines’ Alexandra Eala claimed a 7-5, 6-4 first-round victory over Croatia’s Donna Vekic.  Lexus Nottingham Open   Third-seeded Emma Navarro needed two hours and 59 minutes to defeat Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-4 and claim a quarterfinal spot in the WTA 250 event in Nottingham, United Kingdom.  Navarro will face Spain’s Jessica Bouzos Maneiro in the quarterfinals as Bouzos Maneiro led Katie Volynets 7-5, 1-0 when Volynets had to retire. Navarro suffered a 6-1, 6-0 loss to Bouzos Maneiro in the French Open’s first round in 2025.  Germany’s Tatjana Maria defeated Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska 6-1, 6-2 while Australia’s Talia Gibson outlasted China’s Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 7-6 (10).  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Paula #Badosa #bounces #Coco #Gauff #BerlinMar 21, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Iva Jovic (USA) hits a backhand against Paula Badosa (ESP)(not pictured) on day five of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Spain’s Paula Badosa, the 142nd-ranked player in the world, shocked No. 5 seed Coco Gauff 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday to advance to the Berlin Tennis Open quarterfinals.

Gauff, the world’s No. 7 player, owned a 12-4 advantage in aces, but Badosa went 4-for-5 on break points in the last two sets while Gauff converted just 1 of 2. Badosa, who was ranked as high as No. 2 in 2022, is 5-3 all-time vs. Gauff.

Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula moved into the quarterfinals of this WTA 500 event with straight-set wins. Sabalenka handled Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-4 while Pegula took care of Czechia’s Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 6-4.

Unseeded Czech Nikola Bartunkova earned a quarterfinal matchup with Sabalenka by knocking off Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-4. The Phillippines’ Alexandra Eala claimed a 7-5, 6-4 first-round victory over Croatia’s Donna Vekic.


Lexus Nottingham Open

Third-seeded Emma Navarro needed two hours and 59 minutes to defeat Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-4 and claim a quarterfinal spot in the WTA 250 event in Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Navarro will face Spain’s Jessica Bouzos Maneiro in the quarterfinals as Bouzos Maneiro led Katie Volynets 7-5, 1-0 when Volynets had to retire. Navarro suffered a 6-1, 6-0 loss to Bouzos Maneiro in the French Open’s first round in 2025.

Germany’s Tatjana Maria defeated Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska 6-1, 6-2 while Australia’s Talia Gibson outlasted China’s Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 7-6 (10).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Paula #Badosa #bounces #Coco #Gauff #Berlin">Deadspin | WTA roundup: Paula Badosa bounces Coco Gauff in Berlin  Mar 21, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Iva Jovic (USA) hits a backhand against Paula Badosa (ESP)(not pictured) on day five of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images   Spain’s Paula Badosa, the 142nd-ranked player in the world, shocked No. 5 seed Coco Gauff 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday to advance to the Berlin Tennis Open quarterfinals.  Gauff, the world’s No. 7 player, owned a 12-4 advantage in aces, but Badosa went 4-for-5 on break points in the last two sets while Gauff converted just 1 of 2. Badosa, who was ranked as high as No. 2 in 2022, is 5-3 all-time vs. Gauff.  Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula moved into the quarterfinals of this WTA 500 event with straight-set wins. Sabalenka handled Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-4 while Pegula took care of Czechia’s Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 6-4.  Unseeded Czech Nikola Bartunkova earned a quarterfinal matchup with Sabalenka by knocking off Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-4. The Phillippines’ Alexandra Eala claimed a 7-5, 6-4 first-round victory over Croatia’s Donna Vekic.  Lexus Nottingham Open   Third-seeded Emma Navarro needed two hours and 59 minutes to defeat Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-4 and claim a quarterfinal spot in the WTA 250 event in Nottingham, United Kingdom.  Navarro will face Spain’s Jessica Bouzos Maneiro in the quarterfinals as Bouzos Maneiro led Katie Volynets 7-5, 1-0 when Volynets had to retire. Navarro suffered a 6-1, 6-0 loss to Bouzos Maneiro in the French Open’s first round in 2025.  Germany’s Tatjana Maria defeated Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska 6-1, 6-2 while Australia’s Talia Gibson outlasted China’s Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 7-6 (10).  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Paula #Badosa #bounces #Coco #Gauff #Berlin

Ten days ago, North Carolina trailed USC 3-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning in Game 3 of its Super Regional against USC. Facing the end of their season, the Tar Heels rallied for three runs in the final two innings to book their spot in the Men’s College World Series, with a double off the bat of Owen Hull delivering the win in walk-off fashion.

And now, Hull and the Tar Heels are headed to the Finals after a 12-7 win over West Virginia.

North Carolina took on West Virginia in Omaha on Wednesday, needing a win to punch their ticket to the Finals while the Mountaineers needed a victory to force a winner-take-all rematch on Thursday. But Hull and the Tar Heels jumped out to a lead in the top of the first, starting with yet another extra-base hit from the UNC outfielder:

Hull later came around to score after stealing third, and advancing home on an error.

After West Virginia pulled one back in the bottom of the first, the Tar Heels broke the game open in the third and fourth innings. North Carolina pushed three runs across the dish in the top of the third, with the big blow a triple off the bat of Cooper Nicholson:

Then in the fourth UNC tacked on three more runs, and it was Hull again providing some of the offense, with this double down the left-field line to bring Carter French around to score:

A Gavin Gallaher single followed, bringing Hull and Jake Schnaffer home to make it 8-1 Tar Heels in the top of the fourth.

As the North Carolina offense was enjoying the afternoon, Jackson Rose was dealing on the bump. Folger Boaz got the start, but UNC turned to the freshman lefty to start the second inning.

Early in his outing Rose relied on his fastball and slider, before he started mixing in more of his curveball. Where Rose was truly impressive was with his slider, as well as how he worked his slider and fastball inside to hitters, preventing them from getting their hands extended to barrel up pitches. He needed just six pitches to get through the second, 13 to get through the third, 14 through the fourth, and just eight to get through the fifth inning.

In the top of the sixth, the Tar Heels got another extra-base hit, as Hull laced a triple down the right-field line. That made him the first UNC player with a four-hit game at the MCWS since 2011, and Hull came around to score on another single from Gallaher to make it 9-1.

For Gallaher, who finally broke through with his first hit in two trips to Omaha earlier this week, it was his 32rd RBI in 25 career NCAA tournament games, the most among active players.

Following a stolen base, an Erik Paulsen single brought home Gallaher to make it 10-1, and the rout appeared on.

But the Mountaineers would not go down that easily.

Rose finally got into some trouble in the bottom of the sixth, walking the bases loaded after giving up a pair of singles. That’s when Scott Forbes came out of the North Carolina dugout to summon Matthew Matthijs out of the pen, ending Rose’s day after 58 pitches. He needed just one pitch to end the inning, as Brock Wills lined out to Gallaher at second, who flipped to Schnaffer for the double play.

UNC tacked on two more runs in the seventh to make the score 12-1, those 12 runs a new single-game record for the Tar Heels in a Men’s College World Series game.

West Virginia made some noise in the bottom of the seventh, chasing Matthijs as they scored four runs to cause some stirring from those wearing Carolina Blue. That’s when Forbes summoned Caden Glauber, the freshman reliever with an 11-0 record on the year, and who entered play with 23 strikeouts in just over 14 innings of work in the NCAA tournament.

But a passed ball brought another run home, cutting UNC’s lead to 12-6. West Virginia fans were in full voice by that point, while the Carolina fans were looking for the Pepto Bismol.

After a long battle, Glauber finally got Ben Lumsden looking to end the inning.

However, the Mountaineers, refused to quit, as a Gavin Kelly solo shot in the bottom of the eighth pulled West Virginia within five.

But that would be as close as they got.

Glauber struck out Sean Smith to start the ninth, and after giving up a single to Matthew Graveline, he got a popup from shortstop Matt Ineich to push West Virginia to their final out. Willis singled to right, bringing Lumsden to the plate again, but a flyball to right ended the game, and touched off the celebrations for those in Carolina Blue.

For Hull, the UNC outfielder heads to the MCWS Finals red hot. His last game without a hit came back on May 16 against NC State, when he went 0-for-2 in a loss to the Wolfpack. He finished the game on Wednesday having gone 4-for-5 with two RBI, along with a pair of doubles and a triple, and Hull heads to the Finals riding a 12-game hitting streak.

“We’re getting it done in a lot of different ways,” said Gallaher after the win to ESPN.

“I’m just so thankful to be here.”

UNC will face either Oklahoma or Georgia in the Finals starting Saturday night. Those two teams face off on Wednesday night, with Georgia needing a win to force a winner-take-all rematch on Wednesday. A win from the Sooners would punch their ticket to the Finals against the Tar Heels.

#Owen #Hull #UNC #knock #West #Virginia #advance #MCWS #Finals">Owen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS Finals  Ten days ago, North Carolina trailed USC 3-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning in Game 3 of its Super Regional against USC. Facing the end of their season, the Tar Heels rallied for three runs in the final two innings to book their spot in the Men’s College World Series, with a double off the bat of Owen Hull delivering the win in walk-off fashion.And now, Hull and the Tar Heels are headed to the Finals after a 12-7 win over West Virginia.North Carolina took on West Virginia in Omaha on Wednesday, needing a win to punch their ticket to the Finals while the Mountaineers needed a victory to force a winner-take-all rematch on Thursday. But Hull and the Tar Heels jumped out to a lead in the top of the first, starting with yet another extra-base hit from the UNC outfielder:Hull later came around to score after stealing third, and advancing home on an error.After West Virginia pulled one back in the bottom of the first, the Tar Heels broke the game open in the third and fourth innings. North Carolina pushed three runs across the dish in the top of the third, with the big blow a triple off the bat of Cooper Nicholson:Then in the fourth UNC tacked on three more runs, and it was Hull again providing some of the offense, with this double down the left-field line to bring Carter French around to score:A Gavin Gallaher single followed, bringing Hull and Jake Schnaffer home to make it 8-1 Tar Heels in the top of the fourth.As the North Carolina offense was enjoying the afternoon, Jackson Rose was dealing on the bump. Folger Boaz got the start, but UNC turned to the freshman lefty to start the second inning.Early in his outing Rose relied on his fastball and slider, before he started mixing in more of his curveball. Where Rose was truly impressive was with his slider, as well as how he worked his slider and fastball inside to hitters, preventing them from getting their hands extended to barrel up pitches. He needed just six pitches to get through the second, 13 to get through the third, 14 through the fourth, and just eight to get through the fifth inning.In the top of the sixth, the Tar Heels got another extra-base hit, as Hull laced a triple down the right-field line. That made him the first UNC player with a four-hit game at the MCWS since 2011, and Hull came around to score on another single from Gallaher to make it 9-1.For Gallaher, who finally broke through with his first hit in two trips to Omaha earlier this week, it was his 32rd RBI in 25 career NCAA tournament games, the most among active players.Following a stolen base, an Erik Paulsen single brought home Gallaher to make it 10-1, and the rout appeared on.But the Mountaineers would not go down that easily.Rose finally got into some trouble in the bottom of the sixth, walking the bases loaded after giving up a pair of singles. That’s when Scott Forbes came out of the North Carolina dugout to summon Matthew Matthijs out of the pen, ending Rose’s day after 58 pitches. He needed just one pitch to end the inning, as Brock Wills lined out to Gallaher at second, who flipped to Schnaffer for the double play.UNC tacked on two more runs in the seventh to make the score 12-1, those 12 runs a new single-game record for the Tar Heels in a Men’s College World Series game.West Virginia made some noise in the bottom of the seventh, chasing Matthijs as they scored four runs to cause some stirring from those wearing Carolina Blue. That’s when Forbes summoned Caden Glauber, the freshman reliever with an 11-0 record on the year, and who entered play with 23 strikeouts in just over 14 innings of work in the NCAA tournament.But a passed ball brought another run home, cutting UNC’s lead to 12-6. West Virginia fans were in full voice by that point, while the Carolina fans were looking for the Pepto Bismol.After a long battle, Glauber finally got Ben Lumsden looking to end the inning.However, the Mountaineers, refused to quit, as a Gavin Kelly solo shot in the bottom of the eighth pulled West Virginia within five.But that would be as close as they got.Glauber struck out Sean Smith to start the ninth, and after giving up a single to Matthew Graveline, he got a popup from shortstop Matt Ineich to push West Virginia to their final out. Willis singled to right, bringing Lumsden to the plate again, but a flyball to right ended the game, and touched off the celebrations for those in Carolina Blue.For Hull, the UNC outfielder heads to the MCWS Finals red hot. His last game without a hit came back on May 16 against NC State, when he went 0-for-2 in a loss to the Wolfpack. He finished the game on Wednesday having gone 4-for-5 with two RBI, along with a pair of doubles and a triple, and Hull heads to the Finals riding a 12-game hitting streak.“We’re getting it done in a lot of different ways,” said Gallaher after the win to ESPN.“I’m just so thankful to be here.”UNC will face either Oklahoma or Georgia in the Finals starting Saturday night. Those two teams face off on Wednesday night, with Georgia needing a win to force a winner-take-all rematch on Wednesday. A win from the Sooners would punch their ticket to the Finals against the Tar Heels.  #Owen #Hull #UNC #knock #West #Virginia #advance #MCWS #Finals

rallied for three runs in the final two innings to book their spot in the Men’s College World Series, with a double off the bat of Owen Hull delivering the win in walk-off fashion.

And now, Hull and the Tar Heels are headed to the Finals after a 12-7 win over West Virginia.

North Carolina took on West Virginia in Omaha on Wednesday, needing a win to punch their ticket to the Finals while the Mountaineers needed a victory to force a winner-take-all rematch on Thursday. But Hull and the Tar Heels jumped out to a lead in the top of the first, starting with yet another extra-base hit from the UNC outfielder:

Hull later came around to score after stealing third, and advancing home on an error.

After West Virginia pulled one back in the bottom of the first, the Tar Heels broke the game open in the third and fourth innings. North Carolina pushed three runs across the dish in the top of the third, with the big blow a triple off the bat of Cooper Nicholson:

Then in the fourth UNC tacked on three more runs, and it was Hull again providing some of the offense, with this double down the left-field line to bring Carter French around to score:

A Gavin Gallaher single followed, bringing Hull and Jake Schnaffer home to make it 8-1 Tar Heels in the top of the fourth.

As the North Carolina offense was enjoying the afternoon, Jackson Rose was dealing on the bump. Folger Boaz got the start, but UNC turned to the freshman lefty to start the second inning.

Early in his outing Rose relied on his fastball and slider, before he started mixing in more of his curveball. Where Rose was truly impressive was with his slider, as well as how he worked his slider and fastball inside to hitters, preventing them from getting their hands extended to barrel up pitches. He needed just six pitches to get through the second, 13 to get through the third, 14 through the fourth, and just eight to get through the fifth inning.

In the top of the sixth, the Tar Heels got another extra-base hit, as Hull laced a triple down the right-field line. That made him the first UNC player with a four-hit game at the MCWS since 2011, and Hull came around to score on another single from Gallaher to make it 9-1.

For Gallaher, who finally broke through with his first hit in two trips to Omaha earlier this week, it was his 32rd RBI in 25 career NCAA tournament games, the most among active players.

Following a stolen base, an Erik Paulsen single brought home Gallaher to make it 10-1, and the rout appeared on.

But the Mountaineers would not go down that easily.

Rose finally got into some trouble in the bottom of the sixth, walking the bases loaded after giving up a pair of singles. That’s when Scott Forbes came out of the North Carolina dugout to summon Matthew Matthijs out of the pen, ending Rose’s day after 58 pitches. He needed just one pitch to end the inning, as Brock Wills lined out to Gallaher at second, who flipped to Schnaffer for the double play.

UNC tacked on two more runs in the seventh to make the score 12-1, those 12 runs a new single-game record for the Tar Heels in a Men’s College World Series game.

West Virginia made some noise in the bottom of the seventh, chasing Matthijs as they scored four runs to cause some stirring from those wearing Carolina Blue. That’s when Forbes summoned Caden Glauber, the freshman reliever with an 11-0 record on the year, and who entered play with 23 strikeouts in just over 14 innings of work in the NCAA tournament.

But a passed ball brought another run home, cutting UNC’s lead to 12-6. West Virginia fans were in full voice by that point, while the Carolina fans were looking for the Pepto Bismol.

After a long battle, Glauber finally got Ben Lumsden looking to end the inning.

However, the Mountaineers, refused to quit, as a Gavin Kelly solo shot in the bottom of the eighth pulled West Virginia within five.

But that would be as close as they got.

Glauber struck out Sean Smith to start the ninth, and after giving up a single to Matthew Graveline, he got a popup from shortstop Matt Ineich to push West Virginia to their final out. Willis singled to right, bringing Lumsden to the plate again, but a flyball to right ended the game, and touched off the celebrations for those in Carolina Blue.

For Hull, the UNC outfielder heads to the MCWS Finals red hot. His last game without a hit came back on May 16 against NC State, when he went 0-for-2 in a loss to the Wolfpack. He finished the game on Wednesday having gone 4-for-5 with two RBI, along with a pair of doubles and a triple, and Hull heads to the Finals riding a 12-game hitting streak.

“We’re getting it done in a lot of different ways,” said Gallaher after the win to ESPN.

“I’m just so thankful to be here.”

UNC will face either Oklahoma or Georgia in the Finals starting Saturday night. Those two teams face off on Wednesday night, with Georgia needing a win to force a winner-take-all rematch on Wednesday. A win from the Sooners would punch their ticket to the Finals against the Tar Heels.

#Owen #Hull #UNC #knock #West #Virginia #advance #MCWS #Finals">Owen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS Finals

Ten days ago, North Carolina trailed USC 3-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning in Game 3 of its Super Regional against USC. Facing the end of their season, the Tar Heels rallied for three runs in the final two innings to book their spot in the Men’s College World Series, with a double off the bat of Owen Hull delivering the win in walk-off fashion.

And now, Hull and the Tar Heels are headed to the Finals after a 12-7 win over West Virginia.

North Carolina took on West Virginia in Omaha on Wednesday, needing a win to punch their ticket to the Finals while the Mountaineers needed a victory to force a winner-take-all rematch on Thursday. But Hull and the Tar Heels jumped out to a lead in the top of the first, starting with yet another extra-base hit from the UNC outfielder:

Hull later came around to score after stealing third, and advancing home on an error.

After West Virginia pulled one back in the bottom of the first, the Tar Heels broke the game open in the third and fourth innings. North Carolina pushed three runs across the dish in the top of the third, with the big blow a triple off the bat of Cooper Nicholson:

Then in the fourth UNC tacked on three more runs, and it was Hull again providing some of the offense, with this double down the left-field line to bring Carter French around to score:

A Gavin Gallaher single followed, bringing Hull and Jake Schnaffer home to make it 8-1 Tar Heels in the top of the fourth.

As the North Carolina offense was enjoying the afternoon, Jackson Rose was dealing on the bump. Folger Boaz got the start, but UNC turned to the freshman lefty to start the second inning.

Early in his outing Rose relied on his fastball and slider, before he started mixing in more of his curveball. Where Rose was truly impressive was with his slider, as well as how he worked his slider and fastball inside to hitters, preventing them from getting their hands extended to barrel up pitches. He needed just six pitches to get through the second, 13 to get through the third, 14 through the fourth, and just eight to get through the fifth inning.

In the top of the sixth, the Tar Heels got another extra-base hit, as Hull laced a triple down the right-field line. That made him the first UNC player with a four-hit game at the MCWS since 2011, and Hull came around to score on another single from Gallaher to make it 9-1.

For Gallaher, who finally broke through with his first hit in two trips to Omaha earlier this week, it was his 32rd RBI in 25 career NCAA tournament games, the most among active players.

Following a stolen base, an Erik Paulsen single brought home Gallaher to make it 10-1, and the rout appeared on.

But the Mountaineers would not go down that easily.

Rose finally got into some trouble in the bottom of the sixth, walking the bases loaded after giving up a pair of singles. That’s when Scott Forbes came out of the North Carolina dugout to summon Matthew Matthijs out of the pen, ending Rose’s day after 58 pitches. He needed just one pitch to end the inning, as Brock Wills lined out to Gallaher at second, who flipped to Schnaffer for the double play.

UNC tacked on two more runs in the seventh to make the score 12-1, those 12 runs a new single-game record for the Tar Heels in a Men’s College World Series game.

West Virginia made some noise in the bottom of the seventh, chasing Matthijs as they scored four runs to cause some stirring from those wearing Carolina Blue. That’s when Forbes summoned Caden Glauber, the freshman reliever with an 11-0 record on the year, and who entered play with 23 strikeouts in just over 14 innings of work in the NCAA tournament.

But a passed ball brought another run home, cutting UNC’s lead to 12-6. West Virginia fans were in full voice by that point, while the Carolina fans were looking for the Pepto Bismol.

After a long battle, Glauber finally got Ben Lumsden looking to end the inning.

However, the Mountaineers, refused to quit, as a Gavin Kelly solo shot in the bottom of the eighth pulled West Virginia within five.

But that would be as close as they got.

Glauber struck out Sean Smith to start the ninth, and after giving up a single to Matthew Graveline, he got a popup from shortstop Matt Ineich to push West Virginia to their final out. Willis singled to right, bringing Lumsden to the plate again, but a flyball to right ended the game, and touched off the celebrations for those in Carolina Blue.

For Hull, the UNC outfielder heads to the MCWS Finals red hot. His last game without a hit came back on May 16 against NC State, when he went 0-for-2 in a loss to the Wolfpack. He finished the game on Wednesday having gone 4-for-5 with two RBI, along with a pair of doubles and a triple, and Hull heads to the Finals riding a 12-game hitting streak.

“We’re getting it done in a lot of different ways,” said Gallaher after the win to ESPN.

“I’m just so thankful to be here.”

UNC will face either Oklahoma or Georgia in the Finals starting Saturday night. Those two teams face off on Wednesday night, with Georgia needing a win to force a winner-take-all rematch on Wednesday. A win from the Sooners would punch their ticket to the Finals against the Tar Heels.

#Owen #Hull #UNC #knock #West #Virginia #advance #MCWS #Finals

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