Preview: VCU Rams at North Carolina Tar Heels

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — The hot-starting North Carolina Tar Heels host the VCU Rams in a nonconference matchup Wednesday evening at Boshamer Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures around 42 degrees.

North Carolina (7-1-1) has lost just once this season and is riding high after a 9-1 win over North Carolina A&T on Tuesday. The Tar Heels’ offense has been potent, scoring 10 or more runs in four of their nine games. They took two of three from then-East Carolina last weekend, including a 10-0 shutout victory.

VCU (4-3) looks to bounce back after dropping two of three at Coastal Carolina last weekend, including a 6-3 loss on Sunday. The Rams showed resilience in the series, however, with a 3-2 win at Illinois on Saturday.

A player to watch for the Rams is reliever Elias Holbert. The right-hander was excellent in Sunday’s loss, throwing two hitless, scoreless innings with one strikeout. He could play a key role against a deep Tar Heels lineup.

In Sunday’s defeat, VCU center fielder Michael Petite provided the bulk of the offense with a two-run home run.

The Tar Heels’ recent win was a collective effort, with outfielders Owen Hull and Carter French, along with designated hitter Colin Hynek, among the productive hitters.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest could be a high-scoring affair, projecting an 8-6 victory for the visiting Rams.

Following this game, North Carolina begins a three-game home series with Le Moyne on Friday. VCU travels to face in-state rival Virginia for a three-game series starting Friday.