June 22, 2008

Clutch Performer

Flack has knack for dramatic postseason home runs

By Phil Stanton

CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder

OMAHA, Neb. – Who else would the Tar Heels want up in that position?

When talking about huge postseason home runs, the first name North Carolina fans mention is Chad Flack.

The senior has hit homers to send UNC to Omaha each of the past two years. And this year, he kept the season going with his two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth Saturday against Fresno State to force a game on Sunday for a spot in the Championship Series against Georgia.

In 2006, Flack hit a three-run homer in the eighth and a two-run shot in the ninth to carry UNC to an 8-7 victory over Alabama in Game 2 of the Tuscaloosa Super Regional and a berth in the College World Series.

One year ago, Flack smacked a two-run homer in the seventh in Game 3 of the Chapel Hill Super Regional against South Carolina to again send the Tar Heels to Omaha.

Where does this latest home run rank with the others?

“It has to be No. 1 right now,” Flack said. “We’re here another day and we have a chance to play a little more.”

Flack had struggled at the plate in UNC’s first three CWS games, hitting just .200 (2 for 10). But he ignited a two-run rally in the fourth with a base hit against the Bulldogs to pull the Tar Heels to within one at 3-2. And his two-run blast in the eighth kept North Carolina alive in its quest for its first baseball national championship.