(Omaha) Oklahoma defeated North Carolina 9-3 in the first game of the championship series at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
Deiten LaChance powered the Oklahoma Sooners with a pair of home runs, setting the tone in a championship-clinching performance. A decisive four-run fourth inning created separation and ultimately proved to be the turning point in the game, as Oklahoma seized control and never looked back.
On the mound, Cord Rager earned the win with a strong outing, while LJ Mercurius closed things out to secure the save. The combined pitching effort preserved the lead built by the offense and shut down any late momentum from the opposition.
The Tar Heels and Sooners square off in Game 2 at 1:30 p.m.
