Home / Sports / Heartbreak for Trojans: UNC Walk-Off Ends USC's Historic 2026 Season
Heartbreak for Trojans: UNC Walk-Off Ends USC's Historic 2026 Season
8 Jun
Summary
- North Carolina Tar Heels defeated USC Trojans 4-3 in Game 3.
- Owen Hull's walk-off double secured the win for North Carolina.
- USC's bullpen struggles led to the game-tying and winning runs.
The USC Trojans' historic 2026 baseball season ended in disappointment on Sunday, June 8, 2026, with a 4-3 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Chapel Hill Super Regional. The No. 5-seeded Tar Heels advanced to the College World Series on the back of a walk-off double by junior outfielder Owen Hull. This victory denied USC a College World Series appearance for the first time in 25 years.
The Trojans held a lead entering the bottom of the eighth inning, but North Carolina's offense came alive. Despite a strong performance from USC pitcher Andrew Johnson, who pitched 7.2 innings allowing two earned runs, the Tar Heels closed the gap. USC's bullpen faltered in the ninth inning, with Adam Troy and Chase Herrell unable to hold the lead, ultimately allowing North Carolina to tie and then win the game.
Despite the heartbreaking conclusion, the 2026 season was a significant step forward for USC baseball, exceeding preseason expectations. The team achieved an overall record of 48-18, including a 20-10 record in Big Ten play. A notable highlight was their upset victory over Texas A&M in the College Station Regional. The team now looks ahead to 2027 with the expectation of reaching the College World Series.
