Elite Pitching and Long Balls Propel NC State to a 9-0 Win at Cal in Game 1

California had no answers for NC State Junior Starting Pitcher Dominic Fritton last night, who pitched 6 shutout innings and struck out 6. The Wolfpack (25-12/10-6) rallied behind their ace to beat the Golden Bears (18-19/6-13) 9-0 on the West Coast in Game 1 of a 3-game series. Fritton picked up his first win since March 21st and now boasts a 5-3 record with a 3.21 ERA.

Six of NC State’s runs came via 4 home runs.

Senior Shortstop Justin DeCriscio hit a solo shot in the top of the 2nd inning to put the Pack on the board. He finished the night 1-for-3 with an RBI, 2 runs, and 2 walks.

The next batter up was Sophomore Catcher Alex Sosa, who hit a solo shot of his own, putting the Pack up 2-0.

In the top of the 3rd, Sophomore First Baseman Chris McHugh launched a 2-run home run, giving NC State a 4-0 cushion. The Wolfpack found a gem in the transfer portal this past offseason in McHugh, who went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, 3 RBIs, and 2 runs. McHugh’s bat has been blistering hot all year—and it hasn’t cooled off—batting .346 on the season.

Junior Left Fielder Josh Hogue hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 9th, putting the Wolfpack up 8-0.

Hogue and DeCriscio are now tied for the team lead with 8 home runs apiece. DeCriscio’s power outburst continues to blow minds—he hit just 6 home runs in 3 seasons at San Diego before transferring to Raleigh for his final year of eligibility.

Junior Andrew Shaffner has been a revelation in 2025, and last night only solidified that reality. Shaffner was the only reliever needed out of the bullpen, picking up his 5th save of the year (team lead), pitching 3 shutout innings and striking out 2.

Junior Brayden Fraasman tied McHugh for the team lead in hits last night, going 3-for-5 with an RBI.

Game 2 between NC State and Cal is set for 9 p.m. tonight on ACC Network Extra.