NC State Overcomes 5-Run Deficit to Defeat #14 Louisville 13-11

A 5-run deficit wasn’t enough to rattle the Wolfpack last night against No. 14 Louisville. After allowing the Cardinals to score 5 runs in the top of the 3rd, NC State responded with 7 runs in the bottom of the 5th, paving the way for a 13-11 victory in Game 1.

Louisville forced Wolfpack Friday starter Junior Dominic Fritton into his worst start of the year. Fritton lasted only 2.2 innings, allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 5 hits and 3 walks. He has now given up 5+ earned runs in back-to-back starts, and 4+ runs in 3 straight outings. His ERA is now 3.60.

Senior Matt Willadsen hasn’t found his footing after missing the 2024 season due to injury, and last night didn’t help—he allowed 4 earned runs in 1.1 innings. His ERA is now 16.88.

Sophomore Camden Wimbish gave up 1 earned run in the 5th while striking out 2, which was enough to earn his first win of the season. But Sophomore Jacob Dudan was NC State’s pitching MVP last night. Dudan pitched 4 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out 4 (no walks), securing his 3rd save of the year. The preseason hype is now starting to look warranted. Dudan has been unstoppable recently, giving up 0 earned runs in his last 10.1 innings while striking out 14. He hasn’t given up an earned run since March 15th and has allowed just 1 earned run since March 1st. Dudan now has a 3.50 ERA.

NC State recorded 11 hits in the box score, with 6 of them being doubles. Speaking of doubles, Sophomore catcher Alex Sosa was 3 for 3 with 3 doubles, 2 RBIs, 3 runs, and 3 walks. One of those doubles came in the bottom of the 4th, driving in both of his RBIs. Sophomore second baseman Luke Nixon’s only hit was a double that brought home 2 runs in the same inning.

Freshman center fielder Ty Head was 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, 1 run, a double, and a walk.

The most interesting observation from last night’s win over the Cardinals? The Wolfpack had more walks than hits—drawing a whopping 16 walks while striking out only twice.

Game 2 is set for 3 p.m. this afternoon.