CHAPEL HILL – No. 5 North Carolina extended its nations best home winning streak to 19 games after defeating Xavier 12-3 on Friday night in the 2019 season opener. Freshman Will Sandy picked up the win for the Heels after going 4.2 innings pitched, only allowing one hit and giving up no runs while striking out five batters. Sandy is the first freshman to earn the win in a season opener since Michael Morin since George Washington on February 19, 2010.
Ike Freeman also had a standout day in the season opener going 4-for-5 at the plate with a solo home run and tying his career high with four RBI.