The N.C. State baseball team picked up its first win of the season Tuesday and head coach Elliott Avent earned his 600th career win as the Wolfpack’s skipper, taking down UNC-Charlotte (1-1) in shutout fashion, 5-0.
The game was a pitcher’s duel through the first six innings as State held a slim 1-0 lead heading into the seventh, but another strong performance by sophomore shortstop Trea Turner and a two-run triple by sophomore left fielder Jake Armstrong put the game away for the Pack Nine.
Sophomore pitcher Logan Jernigan earned the start for the Pack and had a solid outing, going four innings while striking out five and allowing just three hits. He allowed four walks but was always able to recover, striking out the final batter in each inning.
Even with a scoreless outing, Jernigan was not entirely satisfied with his performance.
“I didn’t have my best stuff,” Jernigan said. “But I fought through it. I didn’t give up any runs and we got the win.”
On the other hand, Avent seemed pleased with the sophomore’s season debut on the mound.
“I thought Logan really commanded the strike zone really well for a guy who at times last year struggled with the strike zone,” Avent said. “And this was a cold wet day…That was encouraging.”
Senior pitcher Ethan Ogburn came into the game in the fifth inning and shut down the 49ers hopes of a win. Over the final five innings, Ogburn allowed just one hit on two strikeouts and one walk as he received the win for the Wolfpack.
With State leading 1-0 in the seventh inning, freshman designated hitter Will Nance got things going for the Pack with a leadoff single up the middle, his second hit of the game. Freshman Chance Shepard took over for Nance on the base paths as a pinch runner.
After a pop out, Shepard advanced to second base following a groundout from senior second baseman Matt Bergquist.
Following a balk that advanced Shepard to third base, Turner doubled to left field to score Shepard from third to give the Pack a 2-0 lead. Turner then stole his third base of the season, bringing him within 13 of tying the N.C. State career record of 73 by Tom Sergio (1994-97).
Junior third baseman Sam Morgan singled up the middle for his second hit of the day, scoring Turner to put State up 3-0 heading into the eighth inning.
Turner also scored the first run of the game, which was unearned, in the third inning after hitting a single, advancing to third on a passed ball and pop out and home on a groundout.
Senior catcher Brett Williams started out the bottom of the eighth by reaching on an error. Sophomore right fielder Jake Fincher laid down a bunt single to advance Williams to second, putting two men on with nobody out.
After a pop out in foul territory and a strikeout, Armstrong stepped up to the plate, knocking a triple into the right field corner to score both runners. Armstrong, a junior college transfer, was all smiles after his first start and hit with the Wolfpack.
“I was nervous at first, but after the first bit I got comfortable and I just started seeing the ball better and felt more comfortable,” Armstrong said. “I put a good swing on it.”
Ogburn pitched a three up, three down inning in the ninth to finish the game and collect the win for the Pack.
With the win, Avent reached a new milestone with his 600th career victory in Raleigh.
“This school means a lot to me,” Avent said. “It always has. To get the 600th win here, it just means a lot. Not that they didn’t mean anything at New Mexico State, but this has just always been my school and I love this school.”
N.C. State (1-1) will return to Doak Field at 3 p.m. Friday as it takes on Villanova.
