North Carolina baseball starting lineup today: Who's starting for the Tar Heels?

The North Carolina Tar Heels are on the brink of elimination as they face the Florida State Seminoles in the elimination bracket on June 18. But what could the Tar Heels' starting nine look like for this win-or-go-home game?

North Carolina starting lineup projection for June 18

1. CF Vance Honeycutt
2. LF Casey Cook
3. 1B Parks Barber
4. RF Anthony Donofrio
5. 4B Gavin Gallagher
6. C Luke Stevenson
7. DH Jackso Van De Brake
8. 2B Alex Madera
9. SS Colby Wilkerson

North Carolina stars to watch

Vance Honeycutt

Vance Honeycutt has been one of the best performers this season and is projected to be a top selection in the 2024 MLB draft. In the Tar Heels' last game, where they lost 6-1, Honeycutt hit well, going 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk. He has a .312 batting average and a .407 on-base percentage.

Parks Harber

First baseman Parks Harber is one of the more significant power hitters in the middle of the lineup. He has a 1.083 OPS with 20 home runs, 63 RBIs, 56 runs scored and four stolen bases without being caught. During the two games in the College World Series, he is 3-for-6 but doesn't have a home run or an RBI.

Casey Cook

Left fielder Casey Cook has been providing solid protection in the second spot in the lineup and elite protection for Vance Honeycutt. He has a 1.044 OPS with 18 home runs, 77 RBIs, 67 runs scored and stole seven bases without being caught.

The top of this Tar Heels lineup is full of outstanding hitters who can force the opposing pitcher to work. The team's best batting average is .344. Cook can put the ball in play and continue to set the table for the middle of North Carolina's lineup to drive them in.

With this talent, it won't be easy for the Florida State Seminoles to get out of innings unscathed. This lineup has a lot of star power to make games exciting.

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