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Vonwolf: The Return of NC State Baseball Meant a Return of Emotions

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2 years ago

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This weekend, State welcomed back the baseball team that literally captured the attention of the nation this summer. For the first time since parting campus, members of the State baseball team returned to get their rings and be cheered by tens of thousands at Carter-Finley.

It got me all in the feels.

Everyday, minute by minute, for a two month stretch, we all followed this team and the possibilities of endless success. Climbing all the way back from the basement of the ACC, to be considered THEE team to beat. The fury at regionals in Louisiana. The dramatic insanity in Arkansas. All the very highs and very lows of Omaha. Seeing the team at Carter-Finley and the roar of the crowd caused an endless wave of goosebumps.

 

Ring Time

The wait was long, but the team finally got their rings. With a massive exit by players drafted, the gorgeous November night was the best opportunity to gather everyone back. As only Avent would have it, the slobbering wolf made it’s presence known.

I’m just going to say it…the ring is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on…

Diamonds on diamonds, with slobbering wolf front and center. Block ‘S’ and name on one side, College World Series logo on other. Hidden on the bottom and inside, “America’s Team” and Pack 13. Just awesome.

 

Familiar Faces Return

When the team returned home to Raleigh this summer, greeted by thousands of Wolfpack faithful, it was an amazing site to behold. Can only imagine the team’s mental and physical exhaustion. Yet to feel the energy and love, was a memorable moment for all involved.

However, the following weeks were nothing short of awkward and frustrating.

Lack of answers and atrocious communication by State and NCAA officials. In what felt like a team that could return just about everyone and make a run at Omaha again, it was understandable when many players chose the MLB route. The respect shown by WPN can only go so far, and the time had come to clean the slate.

All that to say, seeing smiles, laughs and hugs amongst teammates that truly feel as though they’re life-long brothers was a treat. It seemed that, for at least a fleeting moment, there was normalcy and celebrations to be had.

 

The Future is Bright

This team built something special, even if the end results were less than ideal. The State program has never been in a better place, from scouting to motivation in taking the next steps. The run has solidified Avent as one of State’s most beloved characters. National attention has hopefully been the tipping point for getting much needed facilities upgrades.

We’ll never have that same kind of experience ever again. The string of defining moment after defining moment. It’ll all make for a compelling documentary someday.

I just hope this all leads to the crowning moment, when State wins it all.

Until then, thank you to this baseball squad. Enjoy your spotlight, you absolutely deserve it.

 

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Passionate State fan that just wants to win...something...like anything...

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NC State Baseball

NC State Snaps 5-Game Midweek Losing Streak, Shutting Out Norfolk St. 18-0

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10 hours ago

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May 8, 2024

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#23 NC State shutout Norfolk State 18-0 this evening, snapping a 5-game losing streak in midweek games.

Freshman Ryan Marohn pitched 4.2 innings scoreless innings, picking up his 3rd Win of the season (3-2).

It was a hit parade for the Wolfpack, racking up 15 hits. Senior 3rd Baseman Alec Makarewicz led the way with 3 hits and 3 RBI’s, and Sophomore Center Fielder Eli Serrano III led the team with 4 Runs.

Freshman Catcher Alex Sosa hit his 2nd Home Run of the year, and his first ever in Doak Field.

Sophomore Andrew Shaffner, who has served as a relief Pitcher for the Wolfpack all year, finally picked up his first collegiate Hit, going 0-5 up to this point this season. His first Hit was a 2 RBI Single.

NC State will now prepare to head to Virginia to play the 10th ranked Cavaliers in a 3-game series this weekend.

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NC State Baseball

NC State Baseball is Still Firmly in the Top-25 After Going 1-2 Last Week

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2 days ago

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May 6, 2024

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After going 1-2 last week, NC State’s Baseball Team is still firmly in the Top-25. The Wolfpack lost in a midweek game to UNCW (#23 in Perfect Game), and then they split two games against FSU (#5 Baseball America).

Baseball America (-)

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D1Baseball (-3)

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Coaches Poll (+1)

Perfect Game (-)

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NC State Baseball

#20 NC State Falls to #7 FSU 1-8 in Sunday Afternoon Bout

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2 days ago

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May 5, 2024

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The 20th ranked NC State Baseball team lost to #7 FSU 1-8 on the road this afternoon. After yesterday’s game was cancelled due to weather, the Wolfpack head back to Raleigh splitting the series with the Seminoles.

Sophomore Dominic Fritton gave up 5 earned runs in 4.1 innings pitched, walking 4. Senior Logan Whitaker made his return from injury, and gave up 3 earned runs in 1 inning pitched, walking 3. The Wolfpack bullpen wouldn’t allow another run the rest of the way, but their bats simply couldn’t muster any runs against FSU’s Dorsey and Hults.

The Wolfpack wasn’t without their offensive opportunities. They had 7 hits, which matched FSU’s total. NC State left 10 runners on base, while the Seminoles left 7.

Senior 3rd Baseman Alec Makerewicz and Sophomore 2nd Baseman Matt Heavner both had 2 hits. Part of the Wolfpack’s problem, was the fact that only 1 of their 7 hits was an extra-base hit, and that was a Double by A-Mak. Makerewicz is batting .356 on the year.

Despite the loss, NC State heads into this week having clinched a spot in the 2024 ACC Tournament.

With a 13-10 ACC record, the Wolfpack currently sit 3rd in the Atlantic Division.

NC State will host Norfolk St. in a midweek game on Tuesday night at 7pm, and then will hit the road for a series against #11 Virginia next weekend.

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NC State Baseball

#20 NC State Upsets #7 FSU 8-7 in Game 1 Down in Tallahassee

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4 days ago

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May 3, 2024

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#20 NC State upset #7 Florida St. 8-7 in the series opener down in Tallahassee this evening.

Freshman Cooper Consiglio was the hero on the mound this evening, coming in after Senior Sam Highfill and Sophomore Shane Van Dam, pitching 4.1 innings, while giving up only 1 earned run and striking out 5. It was probably Consiglio’s best performance of his collegiate career, marking the first time he’s ever pitched 4 innings, and given up 1 run or less. He now is 2-4 on the year with a 5.66 ERA.

Sophomore Derrick Smith picked up his 4th Save of the year, failing to give up a hit in 1.2 innings pitched, while striking out 3.

Junior Catcher Jacob Cozart got things started off for the Wolfpack in the Top of the 2nd hitting his 9th Home Run in the past 9 games, and his 15th of the year.

Sophomore 2nd Baseman Matt Heavner led the Pack with 2 RBI’s tonight. The first followed Cozart’s bomb, hitting a Single in the Top of the 2nd that scored Sophomore Left Fielder Luke Nixon. Then Junior Chase Nixon hit a Single, and 2 NC State runners scored due to a wild throw.

Then in the Top of the 3rd, Heavner knocked in another run with a Sac Bunt, that scored Luke Nixon.

Then Sophomore Center Fielder Eli Serrano III hit an RBI Single that scored Chase Nixon, giving the Wolfpack a 6-2 lead.

In the Top of the 6th, Senior 3rd Baseman Alec Makarewicz hit a solo Home Run, his 18th of the season.

In the same inning, Junior Shortstop Brandon Butterworth scored on a wild pitch, giving the Wolfpack their 8th run of the evening.

Senior starting Pitcher Sam Highfill was only able to pitch 2 innings, giving up 2 earned runs. Sophomore Shane Van Dam continues to struggle in relief, giving up 3 earned runs in 1 inning. His ERA is now up to 5.17. Van Dam left the game with an injury, which might have led to his exit.

The Wolfpack and the Seminoles will play Game 2 tomorrow at 7pm.

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