Staff report

Junior shortstop Ike Freeman (East Rowan) smacked a solo homer on his first at-bat of the season on Friday and helped UNC  baseball open successfully with a 12-3 romp against Xavier.

Freeman added a run-scoring single and a two-run single.

Redshirt freshman pitcher Austin Love (West Rowan) made his debut for the Tar Heels. He pitched a scoreless eighth inning with two strikeouts.