CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — Southern California meets North Carolina on Friday evening in a marquee matchup between two of the nation’s top college baseball teams.

The Trojans (47-16) travel east to face the Tar Heels (48-11-1) in a game that carries significant postseason implications. North Carolina enters as a pregame favorite at minus-1.5 on the run line, riding a strong finish to the regular season.

USC arrives on a four-game winning streak after routing Texas A&M 7-1 on Monday. The Trojans have won seven of their last nine contests, with their offense piling up double-digit runs in four of those victories. Their pitching staff has been effective, allowing three runs or fewer in seven of the last eight outings.

North Carolina also enters on a high note, having defeated East Carolina 9-3 in its most recent game on May 31. The Tar Heels have won four of their last five and boast one of the stingiest pitching staffs in the nation, holding opponents to four runs or fewer in seven of those contests.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Southern California designated hitter Augie Lopez has been the Trojans’ most productive hitter during their recent surge. In Monday’s win over Texas A&M, Lopez went 2-for-4 with a home run and five RBIs. Over his last seven games, he is batting .333 (8-for-24) with two homers and 12 RBIs. Lopez has recorded at least one hit in six of his last seven contests.

North Carolina pitcher Jackson Rose delivered a dominant performance in his most recent outing, tossing four scoreless innings with four strikeouts and allowing no hits against East Carolina on May 31. Rose has been inconsistent this season — he allowed four earned runs in 2 1/3 innings at Georgia Tech on May 24 — but his ability to shut down opposing lineups makes him a valuable weapon out of the bullpen.

RECENT RESULTS

Southern California’s last five games: 7-1 win at Texas A&M (June 1); 14-3 win vs. Texas A&M (May 31); 15-4 win at Texas State (May 31); 19-6 win at Lamar (May 30); 4-5 loss vs. Texas State (May 29).

North Carolina’s last five games: 9-3 win vs. East Carolina (May 31); 7-5 win at East Carolina (May 30); 8-0 win vs. VCU (May 29); 6-13 loss at Georgia Tech (May 24); 13-5 win vs. Pittsburgh (May 23).

The game is scheduled for first pitch at 6 p.m. Friday.