USC vs. – USC took a 1-0 lead in its best-of-three super regional series against North Carolina after Dean Carpentier’s first-career grand slam lifted the Trojans from a 5-2 deficit to a 6-5 win in Game 1 on June 5. Game 2 on Saturday, June 6 at 2 p.m. ET at Boshamer St
The sixth inning felt like a tipping point for USC—and it ended up deciding Game 1.
After the Trojans fell behind North Carolina 5-2 early in the June 5 contest. Dean Carpentier launched his first-career grand slam to flip the momentum and give USC a 6-5 lead. From there. USC “never looked back. ” turning what had looked like a shaky stretch into a win by a single run and. crucially. putting the Trojans one victory away from their first appearance in the 2026 Men’s College World Series in 25 years.
Carpentier, who was placed at the bottom of the batting order “to keep the spirit alive,” described the feeling after the game: “We just got a good group of guys, we’re all rooting for each other. We’re here to win so that’s what we’re doing.”
He also tied his role to what he’s been told about lineup spots 7-8-9. “Coach Travis always tells us that the 7-8-9 (batting order) guys are the snipers, so we’re coming out here sniping, putting on some runs and helping the offense keep going,” he said.
USC’s path to this moment wasn’t smooth, either. The Trojans were defeated by Texas State after a go-ahead two-run home run in the ninth on May 29. but they responded the next day by running Lamar University out 19-6 to save their season. A rematch with Texas State followed, and USC took control with a 15-4 thumping. USC then advanced to the super regional after consecutive blowout victories against Texas A&M—winning 14-3 on May 31 and 8-1 on June 1.
Their momentum carried into the series with North Carolina. USC improved to 48-16 and entered Game 2 after a five-game winning streak following the 9-5 victory over the Tar Heels (48-12-1) in Game 1. The series continues Saturday, June 6 at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. If a third game becomes necessary, it will be played on Sunday.
Game 1 also showed how quickly this matchup can swing. North Carolina jumped out 1-0 in the second inning when Colin Hynek sent a 92-mph fastball 395 feet to left field at 101 mph. USC’s batters were efficient at key moments after a sluggish start. and defensive plays helped keep North Carolina from stretching the lead once the Trojans began to find offense.
Game 2 will sharpen that focus on pitching. The pitching battle is set between USC’s Grant Govel and UNC’s Jason DeCaro. DeCaro, a junior right-hand pitcher, will start for North Carolina in Game 2, while USC will go with sophomore right-hander Grant Govel.
Both pitchers, in the early innings of Game 1, shared similar results: Jason DeCaro and Grant Govel each retired the first inning without allowing a run and recorded only a single hit allowed in that opening stretch.
The oddsmakers and prognosticators are split, but the betting numbers show where the market leans. Odds are courtesy of BetMGM for Friday, June 5.
– Spread: USC +1.5 (+100); UNC -1.5 (-130)
– Over/Under: 10.5 (Over/Under -115)
– Moneyline: USC +150; UNC -200
Predictions around the series reflect that tug-of-war. One projection picked North Carolina to win in three games, saying the Tar Heels are built for Omaha with a mix of pitching, defense, and offense, while also arguing USC hasn’t consistently beaten good teams this year.
Another view favored USC. pointing to Mason Edwards as a major advantage and arguing his run-prevention work anchors one of the nation’s best run-prevention units. ranked third nationally in ERA. The case also suggested that if USC’s offensive surge from the College Station Regional is real. the Trojans become more dangerous than their season-long offensive numbers imply.
An additional forecast framed North Carolina as a favorite to win the College World Series after early seeds fell, while still arguing USC can match them on the mound and is strong statistically.
USC vs. UNC Game 2 details are straightforward: the first pitch is set for 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT) on Saturday, June 6 at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. ESPN will air the game. with streaming available through the ESPN app (with a valid cable login) and Fubo. which offers a free trial.
For a USC program already carrying the weight of a long absence from Omaha. the timing of that sixth-inning swing was everything. Now. with Game 2 set and the series posture changed after Carpentier’s grand slam. the Trojans’ shot at ending a 25-year wait comes down to whether that late-game surge can reappear—on command—against a North Carolina team that. in turn. is expected to answer with its own plan on the mound.
USC North Carolina NCAA baseball super regional Men’s College World Series 2026 Dean Carpentier Grant Govel Jason DeCaro Boshamer Stadium ESPN BetMGM odds
So USC won 6-5 because of a grand slam? Baseball is wild man.
Wait Boshamer St like… at UNC? I’m confused lol. But either way that “snipers” quote is kinda funny, like they’re all out here shooting runs.
I think the turning point was the sixth inning right? But the article says it decided Game 1 like ok cool. Still don’t get how they were down 5-2 and then boom grand slam. Sounds like North Carolina just fell apart.
First appearance in 25 years in 2026? So they’re already looking ahead like it’s guaranteed? Also “placed at the bottom”?? That’s like coaches doing random stuff then it works out. I swear college baseball luck is half vibes and half who’s hot.