Seton Hall Holds Off NC State 8-6 to Avoid Sweep

RALEIGH, N.C. – After winning both games of Friday’s doubleheader to clinch the series, the 13th-ranked NC State Wolfpack came up short against Seton Hall Sunday afternoon in the series finale, 8-6, at Doak Field at Dail Park.

The Pack’s offense erupted in the third inning for six runs, but the Pirates countered with a run in the fourth and four runs in the fifth to take the lead and held on for the win.

NC State falls to 2-1 on the year, while Seton Hall improves to 1-2.

Quick Hits

– Seton Hall struck first in the contest with three runs in the top of the first, but NC State responded with six runs in the third inning to take a 6-3 lead.

– Brett Kinneman ignited the scoring for the Wolfpack with a two-RBI double to deep left center, scoring Terrell Tatum and Will Wilson who both walked earlier in the frame.

– Two batters later, Josh McLain crushed the first pitch of his at-bat over the left field wall for a two-run blast to put the Pack ahead, 4-3.

– Freshman Devonte Brown ripped a two-out triple off the wall in right center to push NC State’s advantage to 5-3.

– Brown scored the Wolfpack’s final run of the frame on an error by the Seton Hall third baseman.

– The Pirates trimmed the Pack’s lead to 6-4 in the top of the fourth, but a three-run homer in the fifth by Matt Toke swung the momentum and gave Seton Hall the lead again and they did not relinquish it.

Inside the Box Score

– Kinneman led the Wolfpack at the plate with a 2-for-4 performance, highlighted by two RBI and a run scored.

– Brown also turned in a multi-hit outing with an RBI and a run scored.

– Patrick Bailey, Brad Debo and McLain had one hit apiece.

On the Mound

– Freshman David Harrison started on the mound for NC State and pitched well through 4.1 innings, collecting five strikeouts.

– Nolan Clenney relived Harrison before handing the ball to freshman Nick Swiney, who made his collegiate debut in the contest, pitching 1.2 innings with two strikeouts.

– Sophomore Michael Bienlien, who has been limited due to injury during the preseason, pitched two hitless innings with two strikeouts.

Up Next

NC State returns to action Tuesday afternoon when the Wolfpack hosts NC A&T. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m. at Doak Field at Dail Park.