The Oklahoma Sooners and the North Carolina Tar Heels faced off in Game 3 of the CWS Finals to crown this year’s national champion in Omaha, NE, on Monday night. The Sooners started strong, preventing the Tar Heels’ pitchers from settling in and building a significant early lead.
However, many UNC fans say the game has been marred by umpire errors and controversial calls in this critical matchup, in which the Sooners appear poised to secure their third national title in program history.
Some fans voiced their ire on social media, while others cast doubt on the umpire’s allegiance, believing that most of the decisions were biased against North Carolina. Another moot point from the game was that Game 2’s hero, Caden Glauber, was asked by the home plate umpire to speed up his warm-up and start pitching as soon as possible.
The Oklahoma Sooners Are the 2026 National Champions
Kyle Branch, the Sooners’ 2B, was the standout player of the night, accounting for six RBIs. Jaxon Willits added two RBIs, and four other batters each drove in a run. The Tar Heels’ bullpen and defense struggled, seeking solutions after a poor showing in both areas, despite their strong effort in Game 2 on Sunday.
While the Sooners’ offense came through on the big night, the bullpen controlled the tempo and preserved the lead throughout, with Nick Wesloski and L.J. Mercurius standing out in the bullpen. The Tar Heels attempted to play a bullpen game, but the strategy failed to materialize that night.
With the thrilling 13-2 win, Oklahoma lifts its third national title in program history and its first in 32 years. The Tar Heels suffer another major setback, losing a third CWS Finals in program history.
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