NC State takes series opener vs #10 Virginia, 7-5

Wolfpack plate six runs across 5th through 8th innings

NC State overcame an early 3-1 deficit on Friday in Charlottesville to take the series opener against 10th-ranked Virginia by a final score of 7-5. It was the fifth straight series opening win – fourth straight in the ACC – for the Wolfpack.

With Regional hosting opportunities still attainable, the win moves NC State up to 18th in the RPI, 26th in ELO, and 30th in DSR.

In a change of pace from most other series openers, the Wolfpack jumped out first thanks to a trio of base hits to lead off the top of the first inning. Eli Serrano singled, Garrett Pennington doubled, and Alec Makarewicz singled to plate the first run of the game.

That lead was short lived as Jacob Ference blasted a three-run home run in the bottom half of the opening inning to put Virginia up 3-1.

After giving up those three runs on three hits and a walk in the first inning, Wolfpack starter Sam Highfill settled down nicely, holding the Cavaliers scoreless – and to just two hits (both singles) – until he exited the game in the 7th inning. Highfill’s final line: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 2 HBP, 6 K.

While Highfill was keeping the Wahoo bats at bay, NC State rallied to tie the game in the 5th. Pennington reached on an error and Makarewicz followed with a single to put two on with no outs. Makarewicz scored on a double play. Brandon Butterworth then tied the game on a solo no-doubter home run.

State took the lead in the 7th on another pair of runs. Pennington led off with a single and Makarewicz walked. Jacob Cozart grounded into a fielder’s choice to put runners on the corners with one out. With two outs, Luke Nixon pushed the Pack ahead on a single through the right side.

Fellow freshman Alex Sosa followed with a line drive single to make it a 5-3 Pack advantage.

Pennington provided a pair of valuable insurance runs in the 8th. Matt Heavner led off the inning with a single and Serrano reached on a fielder’s choice, leading to Penny’s blast.

Virginia got a pair of runs back on a two-run Eric Becker home run, making that Pennington home run even more valuable.

Aside from that home run, Jacob Dudan kept Virginia off the board to secure the win for the Wolfpack. Dudan’s outing was huge as the win used just two arms for State, saving arms for the remainder of the series which continues today at 4:00pm. On a career-high 63 pitches, Dudan’s final line: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K.

Pennington (3-for-5, 2B, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI) and Makarewicz (2-for-4, RBI, BB) led the way offensively for State. Butterworth (1-for-4, HR, R, RBI, HBP), Nixon (1-for-4, RBI, BB), and Sosa (1-for-4, RBI, BB) also each reached base safely multiple times in the game.

The victory puts NC State in a tie with Florida State for 2nd in the ACC Atlantic Division, but more importantly puts the Pack in a tie for 3rd in the overall ACC standings, meaning State would be in line for a 1-seed in their pod for the ACC Tournament. That would put the Pack on an easier path to the semifinals.