NC State softball’s offense had been quiet for much of its matchup at UNC-Greensboro, recording two hits through the first six innings. Down one run against the Spartans, the Wolfpack needed to muster a rally to keep the game going — and that it did.
In the top of the seventh, senior third baseman Hannah Goodwin reached second base on an error after putting the ball in play, and senior pinch hitter Alaina Smith moved the runner to third base with a single. With no outs in the inning and the top of the lineup on deck, victory was within reach.
Instead of heroics, the next three NC State batters were retired, as the Pack (21-16) fell 4-3 to the Spartans (27-10) Wednesday night..
In beating the Wolfpack, the Spartans claimed their first Power Four victory of the season. Failing to bring home the tying run from third in the seventh sealed the loss, but ultimately, it was a combination of offensive struggles and a rough fifth inning from the pitching staff that led to its demise.
Coming off a series against one of the best teams in the country in Florida State, where the Pack got swept, but kept most of the games close, it was looking to rebound with an easier win before another tough series against Virginia Tech (28-5 8-1 ACC). Instead, NC State came up short and will need to keep searching for answers as it is past halfway through the season.
The three players to record hits for the Wolfpack were senior right fielder Taylor Ensley with a solo home run, junior first baseman MaKayla Marbury with a two-RBI single and Smith with her clutch hit in the seventh, which ultimately amounted to nothing.
On top of the homer, Ensley also recorded two walks, and finished the game going 1-2, but couldn’t get a hit in the clutch as she was the final out of the game.
The first two Wolfpack runs were scored off Marbury’s hit, and the Pack held that lead until the fifth inning.
Junior right-handed pitcher Wynne Gore got the start on the mound, going 4.1 innings and giving up two earned runs. Gore was pulled from the game in the fifth after giving up a leadoff double. Sophomore pitcher Carly Maxton, who has had a stellar 2.84 ERA this season, came in for Gore and gave up a home run, giving the Spartans a 4-2 lead. Maxton was assigned the loss, as her record moves to 9-4.
After giving up the lead, the Pack could not climb out of the hole it dug.
The Pack will take on Virginia Tech at Dail Softball Stadium Friday through Sunday, as it tries to pick up a few much-needed conference wins. First pitch for Game 1 is Friday at 6 p.m.
