CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Alex White struck out a career-high 12 batters while getting plenty of help at the plate as North Carolina beat East Carolina 10-1 to open their NCAA super regional series Saturday.

Kyle Seager had four hits and a home run for the Tar Heels (46-16), the No. 4 national seed. North Carolina went ahead with a pair of runs in the third inning, then blew the game open with seven more in the sixth. The Tar Heels can clinch their fourth straight trip to the College World Series by beating the Pirates again Sunday.

Brandon Henderson hit a solo home run in the second for the Pirates (46-19), who didn't get much else against White. Seth Maness took the loss, allowing 13 hits and six earned runs in five innings.