Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Vance Honeycutt and UNC stun West Virginia in Men’s College World Series Super Regionals

UNC walked it off against West Virginia Friday night

If you buy something from a link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Mark Schofield
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.

Vance Honeycutt is considered one of the top prospects in the upcoming MLB Draft.

With one swing on Friday night, the UNC outfielder showed why.

The Super Regional matchup between the Tar Heels and visiting West Virginia saw the Mountaineers take a 6-5 lead to the top of the ninth, thanks in large part to a four-run sixth inning. Starting pitcher Derek Clark was still in the game when the ninth inning began, working deep into the night to try and save a West Virginia bullpen that had been hampered by injuries.

But Clark gave up a game-tying home run to freshman catcher Luke Stevenson, and after striking out pinch hitter Johnny Castagnozzi, Clark gave up a single to the eighth hitter in the lineup, UNC shortstop Alex Madera.

It was his 144th pitch of the night.

West Virginia head coach Randy Mazey knew he had to go and get his starter, who certainly left everything on the field. Mazey turned to Aidan Major, who recorded the second out of the inning and moved the Mountaineers just one out from extra innings. But that brought Honeycutt, the school leader in career home runs, to the plate with the winning run on first base.

After working the count to 3-0, Honeycutt had the green light but swung through a fastball.

He did not miss in his second swing of the at-bat:

The moon shot ended the proceedings, giving UNC an 8-6, walk-off victory.

In the process leaving the Mountaineers stunned, and wondering what might have been on a Friday night in Chapel Hill.

See More:

More in General

GeneralFromPosting and Toasting
An SB Nation New Yorker needs our helpAn SB Nation New Yorker needs our help
GeneralFromPosting and Toasting
General
Sabastian Sawe breaks 2-hour barrier, shatters marathon world recordSabastian Sawe breaks 2-hour barrier, shatters marathon world record
General

The mythical two-hour mark was broken at the London Marathon.

By Bernd Buchmasser
A Huge Dog
THE HISTORY OF CHARGING THE MOUND, EPISODE 1THE HISTORY OF CHARGING THE MOUND, EPISODE 1
Play
General
Super Bowl 60 coin toss resultsSuper Bowl 60 coin toss results
General

The Seahawks and Patriots will open the Super Bowl with the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball. We have the full coin toss results for Super Bowl 60.

By David Fucillo
General
Marc Marquez completes a comeback for the agesMarc Marquez completes a comeback for the ages
General

MotoGP’s Marc Marquez completed a comeback for the ages with his 2025 title

By Mark Schofield
General
How to make sure SBNation.com appears in your Google search resultsHow to make sure SBNation.com appears in your Google search results

Comments
Loading comments
Getting the conversation ready...