The anticipation on campus was almost palpable.

There were almost 3,200 people inside the fences of Brooks Field for first pitch which was the third largest crowd all-time and especially impressive considering Brooks Field only holds 3,000 people.

The UNC Wilmington baseball team, looking to back up the expectations that come with being 21-8 conference heavyweight, finally had the chance for a statement-making, mid-week win against a ranked team that would boost their crucially important RPI rating.

Unfortunately for the Seahawks, the team visiting the coast for the night was nationally ranked No.1 UNC. The Tar Heels, playing like the best team in the country, dominated the Seahawks 10-0 in a decently disappointing baseball game on Wednesday night. 

The Heels put up 10 runs on 12 hits with no errors while UNCW was held to no runs on only two hits with two errors. UNCW’s bread and butter- the strength and depth of their pitching- was nowhere to be found tonight, as UNC tagged Seahawk starter Blaze Tart early and often, getting to him for five runs on seven hits in only 2.2 innings. Chris Munnelly was brilliant for the Tar Heels, pitching for seven innings and only allowing two hits, while striking out eight.

It was evident that the Seahawks were either nervous or overwhelmed- probably both- and that, coupled with an already shaky defense led to a long night for UNCW players and fans alike. The Seahawks once again struggled to play up to its potential against a big-name, more talented team, a disturbing trend that is the only blemish on a very talented Seahawk team. 

The loss drops gives UNCW a 21-9 record, while the Tar Heels improved to 26-2. The Seahawks are back on the diamond this weekend with a home-and-home series with Davidson.