NC State Baseball Edged 3-2 by Canisius to Snap Eight-Game Win Streak

RALEIGH, N.C. – The 10th-ranked NC State baseball team saw its eight-game winning streak come to a close Sunday afternoon, as the Canisius Golden Griffins slipped past the Wolfpack with a 3-2 win at Doak Field at Dail Park.

The Wolfpack had the tying and the go-ahead run aboard in the ninth, but was not able to get the equalizer. NC State falls to 10-2 on the year, while Canisius, the preseason favorite in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), moves to 8-3.

Quick Hits
– Will Wilson gave NC State a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third, as he ripped his third home run of a season.
– The sophomore shortstop crushed an 0-1 pitch from Canisius starter J.P. Stevenson over the left field wall, homering for the second consecutive game.
– Canisius answered in the top half of the fourth to even the score at 2-2, after a solo homer from Ryan Stekl and an RBI single from Conner Morro.
– Both teams were held scoreless from the fourth through the eighth innings, but the Golden Griffins pulled ahead 3-2 in the top of the ninth.
– A leadoff walk proved costly for the Wolfpack, as the runner scored from third base on a sacrifice fly by Joseph Preziuso.
– NC State looked to counter in the bottom half, as Brad Debo drew a leadoff walk to start the frame.
– After Canisius brought in their closer to get the next two outs, freshman Terrell Tatum pinch-hit for the Pack and battled his way out of a 1-2 hole to draw a walk, putting the tying run on second and the go-ahead run on first.
– Unfortunately, the Griffs made the next play on a ground ball up the middle to end the game.

Game Notes
– The Wolfpack’s streak of nine runs in its last eight games ended in the contest, as the squad outscored opponents, 93-25, during the span.
– Wilson’s homer pushed NC State’s season total to 27, which leads the nation, as the Pack has hit at least one home run in 11 of 12 games this season.
– Wilson also extended his reached base safely streak to 27 games, dating back to last season.

On the Mound
– Freshman David Harrison started on the mound for NC State and pitched 3.2 innings before giving way to Nolan Clenney in the fourth.
– Clenney threw an 1.2 scoreless relief and handed the ball to lefty Kent Klyman.
– Klyman tossed two hitless innings prior to Joe O’Donnell, who allowed a run and was charged with the loss.
– Michael Bienlien finished the game on the hill, pitching 2/3 of an inning.

Up Next
NC State will conclude its season-opening home stand against UNCW Tuesday afternoon. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m. at Doak Field.