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Omaha Tar Heels move within win of CWS finals

PUBLISHED Jun 15, 2026, 8:38 AM ET

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Omaha Tar Heels move within win of CWS finals

OMAHA, Nebraska — The University of North Carolina strengthened its position in the College World Series on Sunday, June 14, 2026, with a 5-2 win over West Virginia in Omaha. The Tar Heels earned their second consecutive tournament victory, keeping control of their bracket and moving within one win of the best-of-three championship finals set for next weekend. The game turned in the seventh inning, when Gavin Gallaher delivered a two-run triple that broke a tie and gave North Carolina a lead it did not relinquish, providing the decisive margin in a tightly contested matchup. The result marks North Carolina’s best start to a College World Series since 2006, when the program also opened the tournament with two straight wins. With this performance, the Tar Heels gain a scheduling advantage and are now off until Wednesday, when they will play for a place in the finals. West Virginia remains alive in the College World Series but, after the loss, must navigate a more difficult elimination route to stay in contention, facing additional games and higher pressure as it attempts to rebound and extend its tournament run.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2006 North Carolina opens CWS with two wins
Sunday Tar Heels play West Virginia in Omaha
Sunday North Carolina and West Virginia tied late
Seventh inning Gallaher delivers two-run triple
Sunday Tar Heels defeat West Virginia 5-2
Sunday win secures North Carolina 2-0 CWS start
Wednesday North Carolina plays for finals berth
Next weekend championship series scheduled in Omaha

News Intelligence

If you're a Tar Heels fan, this is a thrilling time. North Carolina's strong start in the College World Series brings a wave of excitement and community pride. If you're in Omaha, the city is buzzing with tournament energy. Plan a watch party for Wednesday's game.