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Oklahoma a win away from national title after roughing up North Carolina ace in Game 1 of CWS finals
Oklahoma beat North Carolina 9-3 in Game 1 of the College World Series finals on Saturday, moving one win away from their first national championship since 1994. Deiten Lachance led the Sooners with two home runs.
The Sooners' offense broke open the game in the fourth inning, scoring four runs against UNC ace Jason DeCaro after Oklahoma recovered from an early three-run deficit. Starter Cord Rager had struggled initially, giving up three runs in the first.
DeCaro allowed seven runs in the loss, an uncharacteristic performance for the UNC ace. Rager settled after the first inning, holding the Tar Heels scoreless for four additional frames to secure the win.
Game 2 begins Sunday at 2 p.m. ET, offering Oklahoma a chance to clinch the national title. The Tar Heels will attempt to force a deciding Game 3 on Monday at 7 p.m. ET.
Seeking their third national title, the Sooners hope to build on their offensive momentum after hitting 10 home runs during four CWS games. This performance marks the most by any team since the event moved to Charles Schwab Field in 2011.