Virginia vs UNC Odds & Prediction: Can Cavaliers Keep It Close?

Virginia vs UNC Odds

North Carolina steamrolled its ACC schedule, wrapping up the regular-season title before entering its final conference series with Duke. However, the Tar Heels did lose a couple of series on the schedule, including an early April trip to Charlottesville.

Jason DeCaro, who's projected to start the opening game for North Carolina,  previously threw against this Virginia lineup on April 5. The results were unkind for the freshman, as the Cavaliers put up five earned runs in six innings.

Virginia projected starter Evan Blanco also started in the same April contest, lasting into the seventh inning with seven strikeouts and the victory.

The sophomore has been a solid innings-eater for the Virginia staff, throwing at least six innings over his past four starts. Blanco's seven innings to open the Super Regional against Kansas State paid dividends, keeping top bullpen option Chase Hungate fresh for the closing victory over the Wildcats.

The North Carolina bullpen has the advantage in this head-to-head matchup, as the Heels' staff ERA is more than a full run lower than Virginia's. Matthew Matthijs and Dalton Pence have been lights-out for UNC all season, and both will be ready to take the mound in the event DeCaro stumbles in the opener.

Our projection for this game is nearly a coin-flip, with Blanco and the Hoos at -112 against DeCaro and the Heels.

This game will have the highest total of any opener on Friday or Saturday with a projection of 13.

North Carolina is the early favorite in the betting market despite losing to Blanco earlier this season. No matter if the Tar Heels send DeCaro or Shea Sprague to the mound, Virginia should be lined closer to a pick'em.

That gives plenty of value on the run line to a hot and hungry Cavaliers team that has the better offensive numbers.

Pick: Virginia +1.5