NC State Comes-From-Behind to Beat Pitt on the Road 6-2

NC State (16-6/3-1) came from behind this afternoon, defeating Pitt (13-8/1-3) 6-2 in the opening game of a three-game series on the road.

Junior Dominic Fritton continues to look like an All-ACC Pitcher. In fact, he’s pitching like an All-American. Fritton picked up his fourth win of the season (4-1), giving up two earned runs in 7.1 innings and striking out a career-high 13 batters. He now has three 10+ K performances (3 of the last 4 games) this season. Prior to the start of the year, Fritton only had one 10+ Strikeout performance over two seasons. Fritton now boasts a 1.50 ERA.

Only one pitcher was needed out of the bullpen to secure the victory, with Junior Andrew Shaffner picking up his first save of the year, pitching 1.2 hitless innings and striking out two. Shaffner has been a reliable multi-inning reliever for the Pack this season, boasting a 2.87 ERA.

The Wolfpack trailed 1-2 heading into the top of the 8th, but their bats were up to the task. With two outs, Sophomore First Baseman Chris McHugh walked, and Sophomore Catcher Alex Sosa followed that up with a single, putting two people on base. Junior Right Fielder Brayden Fraasman singled to the left, bringing McHugh home. The next man up was Sophomore Second Baseman Luke Nixon, who doubled to right field, bringing Sosa home. The double was Nixon’s 10th on the year, entering the game ranked 7th in the ACC.

In the top of the 9th, Junior Outfielder Josh Hogue (DH today) sealed the deal with a two-run home run, bringing Freshman Center Fielder Ty Head across the plate with him.

Freshman Outfielder Jet Gilliam started his fourth game of the season (Left Field) and made the most of the opportunity, going 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. Gilliam is now batting .381 on the year and was the only batter today with a multi-hit performance.

Nixon and Hogue both had two RBIs apiece, and Head did what he does best, walking twice. Head entered the game ranked second in the ACC in walks, and sixth nationally.

The first pitch for Game 2 tomorrow is set for 3 PM, with Sophomore Heath Andrews starting for the Pack.