Vance Honeycutt credits UNC pitching staff following Game 1 CWS win over Virginia

Vance Honeycutt was the hero yet again on Friday evening in UNC’s Game 1 matchup vs. Virginia in the 2024 College World Series. He’s done it so many times over the years for the Tar Heels and he once again was able to make a clutch play when his team desperately needed it. In the bottom of the ninth in with the score tied at 2-2, the 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year slapped in the game-winning run. Following the win, Honeycutt spoke with reporters on the field.

Honeycutt was showered with cold water by his teammates right before the on-field interview and even lost his jersey. How does he explain the magic that the Tar Heels brought with them to Omaha?

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“Just a big credit to our pitchers, keeping us in the game. Our at-bats, they weren’t like really great, but we were also just trying to continue to put good swings on balls. Credit to our pitchers, honestly, because it was, what, 2-2 the whole time? That’s just a big shoutout to them,” Honeycutt noted.

Jason DeCaro had another excellent outing on Friday for the ‘Heels on the big stage. He fired six strikeouts in four innings of work, allowing just one hit. What was the difference he saw in him? “Just confidence. I think I was telling you the other day, he’s young on the field, but man, whenever he’s on the field, he’s old. He’s very mature. He’s a stud,” the superstar explained.

Jackson Van de Brake made a big play yet again. How crucial was he coming off the bench? “That’s huge. He’s one of my captains. He’s kept a level head all year. Can’t be easy. But you know, he’s pulling for every one of us. And whenever he gets his moment, you see what he did,” Honeycutt continued.

How special was the win in Game 1 for UNC? “It’s huge. You know, brings you more confidence and we get to stay around for a couple of more days,” Honeycutt said.

With the win, North Carolina advanced to the winner’s bracket at the College World Series.

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this article.