NC State Beats No. 2 UNC 7-2, Boosts NCAA Tournament Hopes

After dropping the first two games of the series, NC State entered Saturday afternoon needing a win against rival No. 2 UNC for more than just bragging rights.

The Wolfpack needed it for their postseason life.

Entering the game, NC State sat at No. 50 in the RPI with a 14-16 ACC record. Another loss would have left the Pack needing a deep ACC Tournament run just to stay in the NCAA Tournament conversation.

Instead?

NC State responded with one of its biggest wins of the season, defeating UNC 7-2 at Doak Field to close the regular season.

And in the process, the Wolfpack jumped 10 spots in the RPI to No. 40.

Anderson Nance Delivers

Sophomore Anderson Nance got the surprise starting nod and absolutely answered the call.

Nance tossed:

6 innings
1 earned run
4 strikeouts

The sophomore entered the game carrying a 3.76 career ERA across 95 innings pitched, and today’s performance only added to the mystery of why he hadn’t been seriously considered for a starting role earlier with all of the injuries the starting rotation has suffered.

Whatever the reasoning, NC State made the right call putting the ball in his hand against the Tar Heels.

Fast Start

NC State wasted no time jumping on UNC.

The Wolfpack plated two runs in the first inning behind RBI singles from Junior 1st Baseman Chris McHugh and Sophomore Designated Hitter Mikey Ryan.

And they never trailed the rest of the afternoon.

Long Balls Create Separation

The Pack added breathing room in the fifth inning thanks to solo home runs from McHugh and 3rd Baseman Sherman Johnson.

McHugh’s blast was his ninth homer of the season.

Johnson, meanwhile, continues swinging one of the hottest bats on the roster:

3 home runs in his last 4 games
4 home runs in his last 7 games

Seventh Inning Insurance

NC State plated three more runs in the seventh inning.

Freshman Shortstop Christian Serrano drove in a run on a fielder’s choice, while Freshman Catcher Vincent DeCarlo added a two-run single.

Offensive Standouts

Chris McHugh

McHugh closed the regular season with his first four-hit game of the year:

4-for-5
2 RBI
2 runs scored

Ty Head

Sophomore Center Fielder Ty Head also had a huge day:

3-for-5
Double
Run scored

It marked his second three-hit game of the season.

NCAA Tournament Outlook

The win doesn’t completely erase the pressure heading into the ACC Tournament, but it absolutely changes the conversation.

Moving from No. 50 to No. 40 in the RPI gives the Wolfpack far more breathing room entering postseason play.

Now the goal becomes simple…Make enough noise next week in the ACC Tournament to remove any remaining doubt from the selection committee.

Box Score