Undisputed Champs

The ACC Champion Tar Heels! | Photo: TheACC.com

I always had a feeling North Carolina was going to win the ACC Baseball Tournament. I just didn't know how crazy the journey would be.

The Heels started off with a convincing 10-0 win in eight innings over Miami on Thursday. But the craziness would all begin Friday when the Heels played Clemson.

The Tigers held a three run lead heading into the ninth. It looked like Carolina was going to lose. But UNC's Brian Holberton became a hero and hit a game tying homer to send it into extra innings. The two teams went back and forth for an additional five innings before the Heels came out on top 12-7 in the 14th. 

Then it all came down to Saturday night. A "Tobacco Road Rivalry" to boot as Carolina played N.C. State for a trip to the title game.

After outstanding pitching throughout by both teams the game - only naturally - went into extra innings. Try  nine extra innings to be exact. In the end, the Heels outplayed the Pack and won 2-1 in 18.

With virtually no rest - playing 40 innings in just three days - Carolina had one last game to win in order to clinch the ACC Title. The opponent? Virginia Tech who hadn't played an inning in two days. 

The Heels never showed fatigue as the Hokies were put away, 4-1.

And I was proud to say I was there to watch the team's triumph in person!

To all the sore losers, haters and naysayers...

BAZINGA!!!!

Colin Moran | Photo: Chris White

After the game, I was able to go out to the team bus to congratulate the players and coaches. 

I was right at the bus door and was able to shake hands and fist bump ACC Player of the Year, Colin Moran, star freshman, Skye Bolt, and Head Coach Mike Fox, among others!

Great seats, great food, great weather and amazing games. You couldn't have asked for a better weekend! I always have a blast going to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to see a game anyway, but being able to see this UNC team show incredible determination and heart to win the title was something I'll remember for the rest of my life!

Way to go Tar Heels! Such a well deserved championship!