CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Call it a profound coincidence.
Arizona is headed to the College World Series after rallying to defeat No. 5 national seed North Carolina 4-3 in the third and deciding game of their Super Regional series Sunday.
The program that awaits the Wildcats on their side of the bracket in Omaha is the same one that broke their hearts in the CWS in 2016.
No. 13 overall seed Coastal Carolina punched its ticket to the CWS by completing a sweep of No. 4 seed Auburn on Saturday. The Chanticleers last made it to Omaha in ’16, when they defeated the Cats 4-3 in the third and deciding game of the CWS final.
Arizona won the first game of the best-of-three 3-0 before dropping a pair of one-run decisions.
“It’s just unbelievable that my first game — I’ve never been to Omaha as a fan or anything — my first game to play in Omaha being against Coastal,” said UA shortstop Mason White, who grew up in Tucson and is a third-generation Wildcat.
Arizona’s Cody Ramer (13) can’t avoid the tag from Coastal Carolina catcher David Parrett (12) as he gets caught trying to score from third on a high bouncer in the infield from Zach Gibbons (23) in the third inning in the College World Series championship game at TD Ameritrade Park on June 30, 2016, in Omaha, Neb.
“I watched every pitch of that series. To see a team like Coastal beat my Arizona was heartbreaking.
“I know some of the players that played on that (UA) team. I know they’re gonna be watching. I feel like it’s destined, like it was scripted.”
The ’16 Chanticleers were coached by Gary Gilmore, who retired after the 2024 season. Under his successor, Kevin Schnall, Coastal Carolina has won 23 straight games, the longest active winning streak in the nation.
Big-game Bailey
While the Wildcats struggled against UNC freshman Ryan Lynch, UA freshman starter Smith Bailey nearly matched him.
Bailey authored his third quality start in his past four outings, limiting the Tar Heels to three runs on five hits in six innings. The only runs he allowed came on a three-run homer by Jackson Van De Brake in the third inning.
“The only thing I thought of and talked to myself about was just execute pitches so we had ground balls,” Bailey said. “I knew with their at-bats I wasn’t going to get a whole lot of strikeouts. That’s a great hitting team. Just wanted to get ground balls and give my defense some plays.”
Arizona’s Smith Bailey delivers a pitch against North Carolina in Game 3 of their NCAA Super Regional series on June 8, 2025, at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Bailey struck out four batters and induced two double-play grounders against Tyson Bass in the second and sixth innings.
Bailey didn’t get credit for the win, but he put together his third straight strong outing in a clinching game (Big 12 Tournament, Eugene Regional, Super Regional).
“He’s been fantastic,” UA coach Chip Hale said. “It comes back to his upbringing. His parents are fantastic parents. He’s got an older brother (Gray Bailey) that’s pitched (in) college, was at Grand Canyon against us this year. Those things are big. There’s not a moment that’s too big for him.”
Hintz rebounds
Bailey handed the baton to right-hander Julian Tonghini for the seventh inning. Arizona then turned, somewhat surprisingly, to righty Casey Hintz.
The Wildcats had right-hander Hunter Alberini available; Alberini was the only pitcher who wasn’t used in the series.
Meanwhile, Hintz had allowed a go-ahead three-run homer Saturday, spoiling what had been a promising outing.
Arizona’s Casey Hintz (16) holds up the Wildcats’ ticket to the College World Series after they rallied to defeat North Carolina 4-3 in the third and deciding game of their Super Regional series on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Hintz allowed a pair of walks Sunday but held the Tar Heels without a run, justifying the coaching staff’s faith in him.
“It’s my goal to get on (the mound) and help the team get outs,” Hintz said. “They know to trust me in those situations to get ground balls ... and get three outs.
“What happened (Saturday) was in the past. It is what it is. I go in there, pitch by pitch, and just get outs.”
Breyfogle ‘OK’
UA sophomore outfielder Easton Breyfogle had to leave the game in the eighth inning after colliding with UNC second baseman Jackson Van De Brake.
Breyfogle experienced concussion-like symptoms after slamming into Van De Brake, who was covering first base on a bunt. Breyfogle was safe on the play, which helped fuel Arizona’s three-run rally.
“I think he’s OK. We’ll check him,” Hale said. “James (Ready), our trainer, came right to me and ... said, ‘He’s not going to go back in the game.’
Arizona's Easton Breyfogle holds up the championship trophy after the Wildcats rallied to defeat North Carolina 4-3 in the third and deciding game of their Super Regional series on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
“He seemed good after the game, but we’ll see how he feels (Monday). We’ll probably have to do some concussion protocols.”
Breyfogle was well enough to participate in the postgame celebration.
Monster truck
TJ Adams took his pregame toy giveaway to the next level Sunday.
As the team gathered in a circle in right field, the prize — a lime-green, remote-control monster truck — was parking on the warning track down the right field line.
Director of baseball operations Ella Wolters then positioned it within range, and Adams steered the truck into the circle. His teammates enjoyed the theatrics.
White, Adams’ roommate on the road, was given the truck after driving in the winning run. Adams, who had pinch-run for Breyfogle, scored the run.
‘Heartbroken for them’
UNC coach Scott Forbes understandably took Sunday’s loss hard. But he tipped his cap to the Wildcats and expressed appreciation for his players.
Arizona’s Andrew Cain, left, and Brendan Summerhill pose with the championship trophy after the Wildcats rallied to defeat North Carolina 4-3 in the third and deciding game of their Super Regional series on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
“Sports will rip your heart out sometimes,” Forbes said. “But what I’m most thankful (for), what our staff is most thankful for, is how our players play, how they conducted themselves the entire season. They have nothing at all to hang their heads about. They represented this university, they represented our program in an absolute first-class manner.
“Our job as coaches (was) extremely easy this season because of the leadership we have in that locker room and the work that the players put in. The longer you coach, the more you should realize it’s completely and only about your players.
“I’m extremely heartbroken for them, selfishly heartbroken because I don’t get to put this uniform on with them again and take them to the College World Series. But they have so much to be proud of.”
Belichick sighting
First-year UNC football coach Bill Belichick attended both weekend games. The Tar Heels’ football practice facility is across the street from Boshamer Stadium.
ESPN2 showed Belichick signing autographs during the third inning.
Also spotted by media over the weekend: former UA basketball player Henri Veesaar, who transferred to North Carolina this offseason; and former UNC basketball coach Roy Williams.
