Chapel Hill, NC – The road to Omaha continues as the University of Arizona Wildcats and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels prepare to battle in the Chapel Hill Super Regional of the 2025 NCAA Baseball Tournament. This best-of-three series, set to take place at Boshamer Stadium from June 6-8, will determine which team advances to the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.
Both teams have showcased dominance throughout the season and their respective regionals, setting the stage for an electrifying matchup between two powerhouse programs.
Season Review: Arizona Wildcats
The Arizona Wildcats (42-18, 18-12 Big 12) have had a stellar season under head coach Chip Hale, marking their first year in the Big 12 Conference after departing the Pac-12. The Wildcats secured their first Big 12 Tournament Championship, defeating TCU in extra innings to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Arizona’s offense has been a force to be reckoned with, ranking among the nation’s best in home runs and slugging percentage. Center fielder Aaron Walton, third baseman Maddox Mihalakis, and first baseman Tommy Splaine have been key contributors, each delivering clutch performances throughout the season.
On the mound, freshman right-hander Smith Bailey has emerged as a reliable starter, complemented by a strong bullpen featuring Hunter Alberini, Julian Tonghini, and Matthew Martinez.
Season Review: North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels (45-13, 18-11 ACC) enter the Super Regional as the No. 1 overall seed, having dominated the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and securing the ACC Tournament Championship. Under head coach Scott Forbes, UNC has built a well-rounded team with elite pitching and explosive offense.
Jake Knapp, the ACC Pitcher of the Year, has been the anchor of the Tar Heels’ rotation, boasting a 12-0 record with a 2.17 ERA. Jason DeCaro and Aidan Haugh round out a formidable weekend rotation.
Offensively, UNC has relied on Hunter Stokely, Gavin Gallaher, and Alex Madera, all of whom have delivered consistent performances throughout the season.
Regional Performance: Arizona Wildcats
Arizona swept the Eugene Regional, outscoring opponents 31-6 across three games. In the regional final, the Wildcats crushed Cal Poly 14-0, powered by Aaron Walton’s three-home run performance and dominant pitching from Smith Bailey.
Arizona’s offense erupted for six home runs in the final game, with Mihalakis and Splaine also contributing long balls. The Wildcats’ pitching staff held opponents to minimal scoring opportunities, showcasing their depth and resilience.
Regional Performance: North Carolina Tar Heels
UNC won the Chapel Hill Regional, defeating Holy Cross and Oklahoma to advance. The Tar Heels opened with a 4-0 shutout against Holy Cross, led by Jake Knapp’s dominant outing. They followed up with an 11-5 victory over Oklahoma, fueled by Sam Angelo and Jason DeCaro’s standout performances.
After dropping a game to Oklahoma, UNC responded with a 14-4 rout in the regional final, securing their spot in the Super Regional.
Key Players to Watch
Arizona Wildcats
- Aaron Walton (CF) – Leads the team in home runs and RBIs, coming off a historic three-homer game in the regional final.
- Maddox Mihalakis (3B) – A power hitter with clutch performances throughout the postseason.
- Smith Bailey (RHP) – Freshman standout who delivered a six-inning shutout in the regional final.
- Brendan Summerhill (OF) – Consistent offensive contributor with a strong batting average.
North Carolina Tar Heels
- Jake Knapp (RHP) – ACC Pitcher of the Year, undefeated on the season.
- Hunter Stokely (INF) – Power hitter with a high slugging percentage.
- Gavin Gallaher (INF) – Key offensive contributor with strong postseason performances.
- Jason DeCaro (RHP) – Reliable starter who helped UNC secure regional victories.
Game Schedule & Broadcast Information
- Game 1: Friday, June 6 – 9:00 AM MST (ESPN2)
- Game 2: Saturday, June 7 – 11:00 AM MST (ESPN2)
- Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, June 8 – TBD
Fans can follow live updates on ESPN2 and through official team social media channels.
With two elite programs set to clash, the Chapel Hill Super Regional promises to be a thrilling battle for a College World Series berth. Will Arizona’s power-hitting lineup overcome UNC’s dominant pitching? The answer awaits on the field.
AI Disclaimer
This press release was generated with the assistance of AI-powered tools designed to synthesize and present information in a structured format. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify details through official sources.
