NC STATE BEATS CWS FAVORITE VANDERBILT!!!

Growing up in Apex, Sam Highfill knew he wanted to pitch for the Wolfpack. The freshman has been nothing short of stellar this year, especially in recent postseason play. Monday night, State took down the defending National Champion and CWS favorite Vanderbilt, 1-0.

According to ESPN Stats and Info…State is the first team to beat both the #1 national seed and defending national champion in a single NCAA Tournament since seeding began in 1999.

Absolute Pitching Dual

If we would have looked back and said, “Leiter would give up four hits, one run and FIFTEEN STRIKEOUTS,” it wouldn’t have looked good. But then again, you look at Kopps line in Game 3 of Super Regionals and realize, it’s all about the final score. Leiter went as far as he could, but Vandy was held scoreless for the first time this season.

Sam Highfill went literal punch-for-punch with the future top-5 MLB Draft pick. Highfill was steady and only gave up 2 hits over 7.1 innings and 7 strikeouts. At no point did it seem like he was nervous, scrambling or behind in the count. After the game Highfill admitted “Yeah there was some nerves, but happy to get the win.”

Leiter, who got much of the attention tonight, was absolutely fantastic. Until Tatums 5th inning home run, he had a perfect game going. Tatum also had a top-10 bat flip in NCAA baseball this season (although it was so X-rated ESPN couldn’t show it).

The first hit of the game for the Wolfpack is a HOME RUN❗️ @NCStateBaseball 🐺#CWS pic.twitter.com/fkt3kyGU6k

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 22, 2021

https://twitter.com/BarstoolPack/status/1407135345775423498?s=20

What now?

Vanderbilt will face Stanford in an elimination game Wednesday. Stanford whooped up on Arizona 14-5 in the earlier Monday afternoon matchup. State will wait for the winner on Friday night. The great news, State can use the double-headed monster of Willadsen and Villaman in that game. Then, whether in Finals or elimination game, have Reid Johnston on decent rest. For a team with starter heavy rotation, absolutely ideal.

DO NOT DOUBT THE PACK!