After suffering a weekend sweep at the hands of Georgia Tech, NC State softball bounced back strong with a midweek win over East Carolina, routing the Pirates 11-5.
The Wolfpack (16-10) got started quickly, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first. An early double from junior second baseman Teagan Thrunk helped drive redshirt junior first baseman Michelle Tarpey home for the first run of the game. A sacrifice fly and a single drove in two more, putting the red-and-white up 3-0 early.
Both sides landed a run in the second. With an RBI double of their own, the Pirates got on the board for the first time. Sophomore center fielder Tori Ensley put the Pack up three again, hitting a double of her own to reach base before eventually scoring on a passed ball, giving NC State a 4-1 lead after two.
Over the next three innings, East Carolina made a strong push to take control of the game. A two-run homer in the third pulled the Pirates within just a run. Then in the fifth, the Pirates opened the inning with a triple and a walk, putting NC State in a precarious position. Despite making a pitching change, the Pack surrendered an RBI double and an RBI single before the frame ended.
Despite ECU’s revitalized offense, NC State remained calm and re-established itself in the bottom of the fifth with a four-run frame. Junior catcher Hannah Church opened the scoring with a solo shot past right field. Then with two on, senior third baseman Hannah Goodwin hit a home run of her own, this time sending it over the left field fence. With a pair of homers, scoring four total runs, NC State firmly regained momentum and never looked back with a 9-5 lead.
The Wolfpack added two insurance runs in the sixth. Once again, Church sent one out of the yard, continuing her impressive outing. With Tarpey already on base after getting hit by a pitch at the beginning of the frame, the home run scored two and effectively dug the Pirates’ grave.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Carly Maxton earned the start for the Wolfpack on the mound and delivered when it mattered most. Improving to 6-2 on the season, Maxton struck out six batters throughout the game. However, Maxton also has room to improve after giving away five walks and earned runs against the Pirates.
Next up, NC State will host Notre Dame on Friday at Dail Softball Stadium. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. The game will be available on ACC Network.
