UNC beats Oklahoma, forces a winner-take-all Game 3 in 2026 College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. (WTVD) -- The 2026 Men's College World Series will come down to a winner-take-all Game 3.

North Carolina, seeking its first championship in its 13th MCWS appearance, forced the decisive game with a 6-2 win over Oklahoma on Sunday.

The Tar Heels haven't lost consecutive games since early March, bounced back from a 9-3 loss in Game 1 to force a third and final game on Monday night.

The Sooners took a 2-0 advantage in the first inning, but the Heels took the lead for good with a three-run third. Jake Schaffner delivered the key blow for UNC with a two-run triple to tie it, then scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. Home runs by Owen Hull and Cooper Nicholson helped the Heels pull away.

Ryan Lynch injured his lower left side throwing a pitch in the fifth and gave way to Glauber, who struck out the side and fanned a total of eight over five innings. The Tar Heels improved to 29-0 when he pitches.

The loss snapped a nine-game winning streak for Oklahoma, which is looking for its third national title. Eight of the previous 12 teams to force a Game 3 have gone on to win the championship.

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Championship series record

Game 1: Oklahoma 9, No. 5 North Carolina 3

Game 2: No. 5 North Carolina 6, Oklahoma 2

Game 3: Monday 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

ESPN contributed to this report.

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