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Erik Paulsen mashes 3 hits in Game 2 of CWS Finals, honors late dad

Thanks to another shutdown pitching performance and timely hitting, the UNC baseball team beat Oklahoma, 6-2, to stave off elimination in Game 2 of the College World Series on Sunday afternoon.

North Carolina (54-13-1) starting pitcher Ryan Lynch gave up two, first-inning runs, then responded for three shutout innings and five strikeouts. Caden Glauber delivered another memorable postseason performance, striking out eight Sooners (42-23) while allowing just three baserunners.

Jake Schaffner's third inning triple drove the tying runs in, he then scored on a wild pitch for a 3-2 Diamond Heels lead, then Owen Hull and Cooper Nicholson provided late insurance with their home runs.

First baseman Erik Paulsen led UNC with three hits: singles in the second and third innings, then later a seventh-inning double he scored on. Sunday's win meant a little more for the Stony Brook transfer.

Paulsen's dad, Erik, died in May after a battle with cancer. The younger Paulsen wanted to stay closer to home and finish his collegiate career, even with a coaching change.

The elder Paulsen wanted his son to commit to North Carolina, saying that was the best decision for his baseball career. Paulsen Jr. went back-and-forth with his choice, but ultimately decided on Chapel Hill as his next stop.

Paulsen's choice is paying off for him, with the kid from Long Island playing a major role in Sunday's victory. Through 67 appearances (all starts), Paulsen now sports a .303 batting average, .486 slugging percentage, 76 hits, 58 runs scored, 11 home runs and 56 runs batted in.

Sunday was an extremely emotional day for the younger Paulsen, spending his first Father's Day without the man who taught him baseball.

If Erik Sr. was able to be in Omaha, he would be extremely proud of his son. What better Father's Day gift than a win to extend your season? How about a Monday night win for the first National Championship in program history?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC baseball: Erik Paulsen delivers in first Father's Day without dad

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