Previewing NC State’s Opponent: Ohio State

The 12th-ranked NC State Baseball team is playing in the Jax College Baseball Classic this weekend in Jacksonville, Florida, and they get things started tonight in a game against Ohio State.

D1Baseball projects Ohio State to finish 11th in the Big Ten this season after finishing 2024 with a 29-26 overall record and a 12-12 conference record.

The Buckeyes were swept in their season-opening series last weekend at Arizona State (9-8, 7-6, and 17-10).

Sophomore third baseman Drew Erdmann is getting his first start of his collegiate career tonight for Ohio State. He started his career at Cincinnati last season, producing an 8.36 ERA in 11 bullpen appearances (14 innings). In the opening series, Erdmann made two appearances, pitching a perfect inning last Friday, striking out one. Then on Sunday, he gave up 4 hits that led to 3 earned runs in 1 inning.

Senior third baseman Tyler Pettorini hit .545 in the series against Arizona State, with 2 doubles, 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 4 runs, and 3 walks. Entering the season, D1Baseball ranked Pettorini as the #19 senior in college baseball and the #45 overall third baseman.

Senior left fielder Nick Giamarusti hit .444 last weekend and was successful in 5 stolen base attempts. He also had 2 doubles, 2 walks, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs.

Senior first baseman Ryan Miller was 4 for 12 against Arizona State, with a home run, 2 RBIs, and 4 runs.

Junior catcher Matthew Graveline and sophomore catcher Mason Eckelman both had 3 RBIs last weekend.

Sophomore second baseman Lee Ellis and Graveline both hit home runs against the Sun Devils.

Junior relief pitcher Blaine Wynk was named a Third Team Preseason All-American by Perfect Game. He struggled in his first appearance of the year last Friday, giving up 5 earned runs in 3 innings. Last season, he boasted a 3.38 ERA.