Alex Avilla's three run homer in the top of the ninth turned out not to be enough to force a third game.
Alabama's College World Series hopes were dashed in a dramatic, homerun filled contest that saw the Tarheels come from behind to win 8-7 off of a two out, two run walkoff homer.
Alabama had the lead the entire game until the bottom of the eighth when North Carolina's Chad Flack hit a booming three-run blast off of starting pitcher Tommy Hunter to put the Tarheels on top 5-4. It was a tough way for Hunter to come out of the game. The Tarheels had scored 11 on Friday night and Hunter had held the offensive juggernaut to only two runs before Flack went yard. Alabama reliever David Robertson surrendered one more run before ending the inning.
Determined to force the series into a third game, Alabama had a runner in scoring position and another on first when DH Alex Avila stepped to the plate. It was clear the second the bat hit the ball that it was gone. Avila's three run shot put the Tide back on top 7-6.
Robertson had two out in the bottom of the ninth when Chad Flack stepped back up to the plate. Reid Fronk was on second via a walk and a wild pitch. Flack blasted a Robertson breaking ball over the wall to send the Tarheels to the College World Series.
This was truly one of the most exciting baseball games I've ever seen. Three lead changes off of home runs in two innings. Dramatic stuff for sure.
Alabama had their chances throughout the game to put it further out of reach, but North Carolina was just too much for the Tide in the end. This series was a case of the best team truly winning. North Carolina are a great ball club and deserve to be in Omaha.
Congratulations to Alabama on winning the SEC regular season title. Well done guys.