NC State Baseball
#2 NC State’s Comeback Falls Short Against #1 FSU for First Loss
RALEIGH, N.C. – After tallying the best start to a season in program history and tying the record for consecutive wins (19), second-ranked NC State endured its first loss of 2019 as top-ranked Florida State avoided the series sweep with a 7-5 win Sunday afternoon at Doak Field at Dail Park.
The Wolfpack was one of two unbeaten teams heading into the contest, as Arizona State is now the nation’s lone undefeated team. NC State moves to 19-1 on the year and 5-1 in ACC play, while Florida State improves to 14-4 and 3-3 in conference action.
After trailing 7-1, the Pack rallied with three runs in the bottom of the sixth and added a run in the eighth but came up short against the Seminoles, 7-5.
FSU starter Shane Drohan picked up the win on the mound with five innings pitched, while NC State’s starter Michael Bienlien was charged with the loss.
Avent’s Additions
“After the game I told the team how proud the staff and I are of them,” said head coach Elliott Avent. “Nineteen wins in a row to start the season, a program record. This is the first third of the season and now we’ve got to get ready for the next third and it doesn’t get any easier.
“I’m really proud of the way our guys played. We keep battling and that’s all this club knows how to do. This has probably been the best stretch we’ve ever had since I’ve been here, they’ve been incredible.”
Quick Hits
– Florida State struck first in the contest with three runs in the second, following an RBI single from Mike Salvatore and a two-RBI single by Reese Albert.
– Patrick Bailey doubled down the left field line to plate the first run of the game for NC State, as Jonny Butler raced around to score from second base.
– The Seminoles tacked on three runs in the fifth following a solo homer from J.C. Flowers, RBI double from Nander de Sedas and a sacrifice fly from Matheu Nelson.
– de Sedas added another run-scoring knock in the sixth, as Florida State pulled ahead, 7-1.
– NC State countered with three runs in the bottom of the frame to narrow the margin to 7-4.
– David Vazquez ripped an RBI double down the left field line and Luca Tresh hit a sacrifice fly to right field.
– An RBI groundout from Thayer Thomas plated the final run of the frame, as Vazquez scored from third base.
– The Wolfpack looked to rally in the eighth, as Brad Debo led off with a single up the middle and Vazquez hit his second double of the day two batters later to score him.
– After Will Wilson reached on an error to load the bases, Bailey ripped an 0-2 pitch to right field but it was right at the FSU outfielder, who made the grab to end the threat.
Inside the Box Score
– Vazquez led the Wolfpack at the plate with a 2-for-4 outing, highlighted by a pair of doubles and two RBI.
– Evan Edwards also notched a pair of hits in the contest.
– Bailey and Edwards each extended their reached base safely streaks to 20 games, as they have reached in every game this season.
On Deck
NC State will return to action Tuesday evening when the Towson Tigers head to Raleigh. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. at Doak Field at Dail Park.
Photo Credit: @NCStateBaseball
#20 NC State will head down to Tallahassee tomorrow for a 3-game series against #7 FSU. Before they do, here’s a look at where NC State is projected to land in the 2024 NCAA Tournament as things currently stand.
Last week, both D1Baseball and Baseball America projected the Wolfpack to play as a #2 seed in the Greenville Regional (ECU), with the former projecting the Pirates to be a #6 seed, and the latter projecting them to be a #8 seed.
This week, D1Baseball has NC State as a #2 seed in the Lexington Regional, with Kentucky as a #5 seed. Baseball America still has the Wolfpack as a #2 seed in the Greenville Region, with the Pirates still sitting as a #8 seed.
D1Baseball
Baseball America
#20 NC State lost to UNC-Wilmington 4-5 this evening at home, losing their 5th straight midweek game. The Wolfpack were swept by the Seahawks this year, ironically losing 4-5 down in Wilmington on April 9th.
Freshman Ryan Marohn got the starting nod, and he was excellent, giving up 1 earned run in 5 innings pitched, striking out 7. It was arguably his best start since his collegiate debut against VCU in the opening series.
Sophomore Shane Van Dam was Mr. Reliable through much of the season, but he hasn’t had his best stuff as of late. This evening, he faced four batters, hitting 2, walking another, and surrendering a hit to the other. Van Dam failed to record an out, and gave up 3 earned runs. Heading into the UNC game back on April 18th, Van Dam had a 2.63 ERA. After the past 4 appearances, his ERA has shot up to 3.96.
Freshman Jacob Dudan settled things down, pitching 4 scoreless innings, giving up only 1 hit, while striking out 5.
Unfortunately, Sophomore Derrick Smith allowed the Seahawks to score a run in the Top of the 10th, which was enough for the opposing team to leave Raleigh with a win, with NC State failing to score a run in the final 5 frames.
Junior Jacob Cozart continues an insane power surge, hitting two more Home Runs tonight. Cozart has hit 7 Home Runs in the past 6 games.
*Scheduled tweet* pic.twitter.com/eHvyuGT6so
— #Pack9 ⚾️ (@NCStateBaseball) April 30, 2024
SCOREBOARD SHOT 🚀 pic.twitter.com/tMvY8imzgG
— #Pack9 ⚾️ (@NCStateBaseball) April 30, 2024
Cozart now has 14 Home Runs on the year. His previous career high was 11.
Senior 1st Baseman Garrett Pennington also hit a Solo Home Run, his 11th bomb of the year.
Goodbye Baseball ✌️#Pack9 | @Garrettpenn14 pic.twitter.com/p0tySYt3aF
— #Pack9 ⚾️ (@NCStateBaseball) April 30, 2024
On Friday, the Wolfpack will head down to Tallahassee for a 3-game series against #7 Florida State.
After sweeping Ball State this past weekend, NC State jumped up in almost all of the Top-25 polls.
Baseball America – 13th (+4)
RPI – 20th (+9)
D1Baseball – 20th (+1)
USAToday Coaches Poll – 20th (+3)
Perfect Game – 25th (-)
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