OMAHA, Neb. – In a thrilling Men’s College World Series match on Tuesday, Florida State secured a 9-5 victory over North Carolina, thanks to a stellar pitching performance by Connor Hults. Hults, who struggled in FSU’s previous game, redeemed himself by pitching 4⅓ innings of shutout relief, ultimately thwarting North Carolina’s comeback attempt. Adding to the Seminoles’ success, Jaxson West and Max Williams smashed back-to-back homers in the ninth inning for insurance.

The game marked a redemption for Hults, who had faced a tough loss against Tennessee in the Seminoles’ MCWS opener. Despite a disappointing call that cost the team the game, Hults displayed remarkable resilience and determination in his performance against North Carolina.

The left-hander showcased a mix of sharp fastball and off-speed pitches, a strategy he had worked on with pitching coach Micah Posey. Hults’ ability to locate his fastball effectively and mix up his pitches proved to be crucial in securing FSU’s victory over the Tar Heels.

After finishing the eighth inning strong, Hults insisted on returning to the mound for the ninth, demonstrating his confidence and desire to contribute to his team’s success. His outstanding performance was commended by Seminoles coach Link Jarrett, highlighting Hults’ pivotal role in the team’s triumph.

North Carolina, on the other hand, suffered their first consecutive losses in months and ended their MCWS run with a 1-2 record. Despite the disappointing outcome, Tar Heels’ player Casey Cook expressed pride in the team’s effort and determination throughout the postseason.

The matchup between FSU and North Carolina marked the first meeting between the two teams since the Tar Heels swept a series back in 2022. Florida State took an early lead, capitalizing on the struggles of North Carolina’s pitchers Aidan Haugh and Matthew Matthijs, ultimately building a comfortable lead that proved difficult for the Tar Heels to overcome.

With North Carolina staging a late-game rally, the pressure was on Hults to deliver a strong finish. The junior pitcher rose to the occasion, retiring batters effectively and securing the game-winning outs in the ninth inning.

Overall, Florida State’s victory over North Carolina was a testament to their resilience and determination, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the Men’s College World Series.