North Carolina survived against Oklahoma 6-2 on Father's Day, forcing a decisive Game 3 in the Men's College World Series finals. The Tar Heels bounced back from Saturday's loss to even the best-of-three series, with first baseman Erik Paulsen Jr. delivering a 3-for-5 performance with a double and run scored.

Paulsen played through an emotional day, marking his first Father's Day without his father, NYPD officer Erik Sr., who died of cancer on July 4, 2025. UNC fathers surprised him by wearing custom buttons reading "PAULSEN 44 OMAHA 2026" during the family sendoff. Coach Scott Forbes paused to compose himself when discussing Paulsen, acknowledging the difficult day while noting his player felt his father's presence.

The emotional theme extended throughout both programs. Forbes also choked up discussing his own father and former UNC coach Mike Fox, who has attended all nine MCWS appearances. Oklahoma's Skip Johnson beamed about his son Tyler's role in recruiting catcher Deiten Lachance, while Reggie Willits serves as associate head coach alongside his son Jaxon, the Sooners' shortstop.

Both families will reunite Monday night when ESPN broadcasts the championship game at 7 p.m. ET. UNC's victory kept their title hopes alive while honoring Paulsen's late father, proving that college baseball's biggest stage often intersects with life's most meaningful moments.