Heels, Pack will meet in October baseball exhibition at DBAP

By R.L. Bynum

The old rivals will square off in Durham for a first-of-its-kind exhibition.

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, North Carolina will meet N.C. State in a 6 p.m. baseball exhibition at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in the finale of the Tar Heels’ fall schedule. Tickets, which are $15 plus tax, can be purchased here. A post-game autograph session featuring both teams will also be held on the warning track, presented by the Coastal Plain League.

It will be the first time at the DBAP for UNC since it won the ACC title there in May with a 14–4 blowout of Clemson.

“We are really excited about the opportunity to play a great game in Durham and showcase how our players and program are working to get better every day,” Carolina coach Scott Forbes said. “Carolina has made a lot of great memories there, and we look forward to making more. We hope our fans come out and get loud for some fall baseball.”

Many of the stars from that championship run — including pitcher Ryan Lynch and third baseman Gavin Gallaher — will be back play, joined by 16 newcomers eager to make their mark.

The Tar Heels hold a 172–143–1 all-time edge over the Wolfpack in games that count, including a 15–12 lead in neutral-site contests.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to play in historic and iconic Durham Bulls Athletic Park against long-time rival UNC,” N.C. State coach Elliott Avent said.

The rivalry produced some unforgettable moments at the DBAP in 2013 with an 18-inning 2–1 Tar Heels victory before 11,392 fans.

N.C. State played a fall exhibition game against Duke at the DBAP last fall.

Carolina opens the fall season at home on Oct. 3 against Walters State, followed by the annual Fall World Series Oct. 7–10. Admission to all home fall contests will be free.