Sophomore catcher Brett Austin attempts a swing from a Boston College pitcher. The Pack completed the sweep of the Eagles over the weekend. " />
Sophomore catcher Brett Austin attempts a swing from a Boston College pitcher. The Pack completed the sweep of the Eagles over the weekend.
Following a five-game home stand, the N.C. State baseball team went on the road to Chestnut Hill, Mass. and swept the Boston College Eagles in a three-game series.
Day One
The 19th-ranked Wolfpack (28-10, 11-7) took on the Eagles (6-29, 0-17) in a doubleheader Saturday after rescheduling Friday’s rainout.
In the first game, Boston College jumped out to a 5-0 lead after just two innings but State stormed back to take the 6-5 victory. The Pack put up four runs in the top of the fourth to cut the deficit to just a run and took the lead in the sixth after scoring two more runs.
BC made a late game effort, putting two runners into scoring position with just one out in the bottom of the ninth, but the Pack never let up as senior pitcher Grant Sasser held on to the lead and closed it out for N.C. State.
The five-run deficit marks the largest comeback effort for the Wolfpack since March 15, 2011. State took a 7-5 victory that day over Buffalo after falling being five runs.
In the second game, the Pack fell behind early once again. Down a run after two innings, the Pack Nine put together a five-run inning in the third to take the game over. NCSU tacked on another run in the fourth to push the lead to five runs.
Boston College put up a final run in the seventh, but that was all the Eagles would manage, losing 6-2.
Senior first baseman Tarran Senay was the big story during the doubleheader as he went 4-for-7 through both games with a double, three RBIs and two runs while extending his hitting streak to 12 games.
“People have to step up and make plays,” Senay said. “Given what these weather conditions were like, so it was good to show up and do that.”
Sophomore shortstop Trea Turner was also 3-for-7 with two runs and an RBI. Turner had two stolen bases in game one and is now within one stolen base of Tom Sergio’s N.C. State career stolen base record.
Sophomore right fielder Jake Fincher reached base in each game and has now reached base in 36 of the Wolfpack’s 38 games this season.
Senior pitcher Ryan Wilkins (5-1) went a career-long seven innings while allowing two earned runs in the second game in what was his second start of the season.
Day Two
The No. 19 Wolfpack completed the sweep Sunday afternoon following another come-from-behind win, this time by a 3-2 count, thanks to stellar pitching from freshman southpaw Brad Stone.
The game was scoreless going into the bottom of the seventh inning and Stone had a no-hitter until this point. The no-hitter was broken up by a single to lead off the inning which turned into an RBI double to put Boston College on top 1-0 after seven.
NCSU rebounded in the top half of the eighth inning by scoring three runs to take the lead. Senior third baseman Grant Clyde led the inning off with a bunt and reached base on an error.
Senior second baseman Matt Bergquist followed in behind Clyde with a walk to put two men on with no outs. Turner then laid down a sacrifice bunt and also reached on an error, allowing a runner to score to tie the game at one.
Sophomore catcher Brett Austin hit a sac fly to left field to give State a 2-1 lead. Senay was intentionally walked and senior center fielder Brett Williams singled to left to drive in the final run of the inning.
For the second consecutive game, Boston College attempted to make a late push in the ninth, putting two men on with one away. A groundout brought home a run to cut the lead to just a run, but a check-swing strikeout ended the game, giving the Pack a 3-2 win.
For the second straight start, Stone earned a no decision but pitched brilliantly. He tied his career long start by going 6.1 innings, matching last week’s effort, while striking out eight, a career best, and giving up just one run.
“It felt great,” Stone said. “It kind of sucks that it wasn’t a no hitter. But I came out knowing what I had to do.”
Head coach Elliott Avent was elated over Stone’s performance on the mound and credits his performance this season to his character.
“He’s so focused and mature and disciplined,” Avent said. “We talked about it this year. With these young guys we had coming in early on, there were a couple guys that stood out as far as their discipline and maturity. Stone was one of those guys and he’s showing it in the way he’s throwing right now.”
Junior Andrew Woeck (4-1) picked up the win for State, pitching .2 innings in relief.
The Wolfpack, winners of 10 straight, including eight straight in ACC play, visit Charlotte Tuesday. Game time is set for 6 p.m.