Kyson Witherspoon is generating buzz ahead of the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft, showcasing his impressive pitching skills at Oklahoma. With a fastball that consistently ranges from 95 to 98 MPH, he has established himself as one of the top collegiate pitchers. However, in a recent game against North Carolina, Witherspoon faced unexpected challenges, marking a rare off night for the talented right-hander.
In the early innings, Witherspoon struggled as North Carolina’s offense came alive. After an error by Kane Kepley set the stage, Witherspoon initially regained control by forcing a fielder’s choice and inducing a flyout. But the Tar Heels broke through, beginning a decisive six-run inning that saw Hunter Stokley, Alex Madera, and Tyson Bass all contribute with two-out RBIs. Sam Angelo capped the inning with a three-run homer, showcasing North Carolina’s aggressive offense against one of the nation’s best.
Despite the runs being deemed “unearned” due to the initial error, North Carolina’s ability to capitalize in crucial moments highlighted their offensive strategy. The Tar Heels challenged Witherspoon right from the start, refusing to let him dictate the at-bats, which led to a significant early advantage.
This outing marked one of Witherspoon’s most difficult games of the season. He gave up a season-high 10 hits and 9 runs, with three of those runs coming via home runs—something he had not previously allowed in excess. Before this game, Witherspoon had only allowed six home runs throughout the entire season.
Oklahoma’s decision to save their star pitcher for this game illustrated the confidence they had in him, but North Carolina’s performance showed they are not intimidated by any opponent. This matchup serves as a reminder that in college baseball, anything can happen, especially when two formidable teams face off. Witherspoon’s talent remains undeniable, and this performance will likely serve as a learning experience as he continues his journey toward a professional career.
This game not only highlighted the unpredictability of sports but also the resilience and skill showcased by teams like North Carolina in high-stakes situations. Fans can look forward to seeing how both teams adapt in future matchups.