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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — North Carolina hosts VCU on Friday, May 29, in a nonconference baseball matchup at Boshamer Stadium. The Tar Heels (45-11-1) enter as heavy favorites with a -4.5 run line, but Interstat’s game simulator projects a tight 8-7 victory for the visiting Rams (37-23).

First pitch is set for 6 p.m. The weather forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the low 70s.

North Carolina defeated VCU 13-3 in their only meeting this season on Feb. 25, but the Rams have won seven of their past nine games, including a 9-1 win over Rhode Island on Sunday. VCU’s offense has been explosive, scoring at least nine runs in six of its last nine contests.

Players to Watch

VCU right-hander Cooper Campbell has been used in a variety of roles recently. In his last outing Sunday, he tossed five innings, allowing six hits and one earned run with one strikeout in the win over Rhode Island. Over his past seven appearances, Campbell has a 5.1-inning start with no hits but four earned runs and six strikeouts on May 22, followed by a 1.1-inning scoreless outing on May 23. His season ERA is 4.50, but he has shown the ability to navigate long outings and short relief stints.

North Carolina center fielder Owen Hull has been a consistent run-producer. In Sunday’s 13-6 loss at Georgia Tech, he went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Over his past 10 games, Hull has hit .378 with three homers and 17 RBIs, including multi-hit efforts in five of those contests. He leads the Tar Heels with a .345 batting average and 12 home runs.

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VCU’s last loss came 5-4 at Rhode Island on May 22, but the Rams rebounded with a 9-1 win Sunday. Their lineup features power from Trent Adelman, who homered and drove in two runs in the Rhode Island victory.

North Carolina dropped its last game 13-6 at Georgia Tech on Sunday, snapping a four-game winning streak. The Tar Heels are 8-2 at home this season, outscoring opponents 87-42.

Pitching Matchup

VCU has not announced a starter, but Campbell is expected to see innings. North Carolina likely will counter with a bullpen day after using multiple arms last weekend. The Tar Heels’ staff owns a 3.80 ERA, while VCU’s is 4.12.

The game is a tune-up before postseason play for both teams. North Carolina, ranked in the top 10 nationally, is vying for a top seed in the ACC tournament. VCU is seeking to solidify its at-large resume.