Team of destiny?
I haven't given North Carolina a chance this postseason. I said they'd lose in the regional, then in the super regional, then in the College World Series.
I've changed my tune.
Carolina will win the NCAA title because the Heels are a team of destiny. Just look at Friday night's opener against Cal State Fullerton if you need proof.
The Heels had Andrew Miller, their ace and the No. 6 pick in the baseball draft, on the mound. He wasn't all that effective, giving up two homers, one more than he'd given up all season.
But Carolina managed to hang around and get the game to extra innings.
In extra innings, Fullerton had two men reach base on dropped third strikes, and another on a third strike that was called ball four. Carolina botched a sure double play after botching a throw to second where the Fullerton runner was a goner trying to steal. Instead the ball got into center field and the runner was safe.
Carolina somehow made a pitcher's throw over to third work by getting the Fullerton runner out, then ended the inning with the right fielder making a partial dive for the catch and out.
Carolina came back to score twice in the 13th inning - on a string of singles - and held on for the win in a game they should have lost.
Add all of that up and it equals team of destiny. So go ahead, give the Heels the championship. They can't possibly lose.
- Patrick Hite