CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - One week before the start of the regular season, Carolina baseball fans will be able to catch an early glimpse of the Diamond Heels in action in a Blue-White scrimmage at 3 p.m. Friday at Boshamer Stadium. Admission to the game is free.

Ranked fourth nationally in this week's Baseball America poll, the Tar Heels have been prepping for the 2006 season since team practice opened Jan. 15. Expectations are high in Chapel Hill, as Carolina returns 19 letterwinners from last year's squad, including three preseason All-America pitchers. Six Tar Heels have earned preseason All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors from various media outlets.

Following Friday's scrimmage, UNC will host 39 games at Boshamer Stadium, including the season-opening series with Seton Hall set for Feb. 17-19. The Tar Heels and Pirates will square off at 3 p.m. on the 17th, 1 p.m. on the 18th and 1:30 p.m. on the 19th.