#23 NC State Gives Up 9 Runs in Final 2 Innings, Holds on to 12-11 Win in Game 2 Against Canisius

#23 NC State took an 11-2 lead into the top of the 8th inning against Canisius today, which didn’t point to a dramatic ending. However, the game isn’t over until the last out—a fact that was proven true today. The Wolfpack ended up hanging on to victory by the skin of their teeth, winning 12-11.

Senior Carson Kelly started things off in the top of the 8th, but he was only able to record one out before being removed, giving up 5 earned runs, 4 hits, and 2 walks to 6 batters. His ERA now stands at 15.00 after 4 appearances this year. Sophomore Camden Wimbish recorded the second out of the inning, allowing 1 unearned run, 1 hit, and 1 walk to 3 batters. Though he recorded the third out, sophomore Jacob Dudan’s struggles continue, as he gave up 3 earned runs and allowed 2 hits and 1 walk to 4 batters. Dudan now has an ERA of 24.55 through 4 appearances.

After allowing Canisius to score 9 runs in the 8th and 9th innings, Sophomore Matt Ossenfort hit a walk-off single to win the game in the bottom of the 9th.

There were two bright spots for the Wolfpack on the mound today. Sophomore Heath Andrews, the regular Saturday starter, posted his best start of the season. Andrews pitched a quality start, giving up 1 earned run over 7 innings, striking out 3 and walking none. His ERA now stands at 2.12 through 3 starts. After Dudan gave up a 3-run Home Run in the Top of the 9th inning, Sophomore Andrew Shaffner came in and recorded all 3 outs of the 9th inning and picked up his second win of the season, pitching a perfect inning with 2 strikeouts. He has a 2.70 ERA through his first 5 appearances.

Sophomore first baseman Chris McHugh has been NC State’s best batter all season, and he continued his excellent form today, going 4 for 4 with 5 RBIs, including 2 doubles. He is now batting .417 on the year. Senior shortstop Justin DeCriscio was 2 for 2 with 3 RBIs, 2 doubles, 2 runs, and 2 walks, and is batting .344 for the season.

Sophomore second baseman Luke Nixon and sophomore third baseman Ryan Jaros contributed the other 2 RBIs. Nixon went 2 for 5 with an RBI, 2 runs, and a stolen base. Jaros was 1 for 2 with 1 RBI, 2 runs, and 3 walks.

Redshirt sophomore catcher Drew Lanphere was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles, 2 runs, and a walk.

The Wolfpack will look to complete the sweep against Canisius tomorrow, with the first pitch scheduled for 1 PM.