NC State baseball once again routed Fordham — not just sweeping Rams but run-ruling them for a third straight game. With the 19-6 victory, the Pack capped off a successful opening weekend.
The Wolfpack (3-0) showed plenty of promise on the mound and at the plate. While the bullpen allowed five runs late in the top of the seventh, the team showed plenty of reasons for optimism. Dominating the Rams (0-3) for a third straight game while battling the cold and the rain shouldn’t be overlooked. With a nearly complete performance, NC State is firing on all cylinders heading into the season.
On the mound, sophomore left-handed pitcher Ryan Marohn made his 2025 debut. The Virginia native threw for five innings, appearing in firm control. The lefty threw seven strikeouts and no walks, pitching with precision and speed. By the time head coach Elliott Avent pulled him, the Wolfpack held a commanding 7-0 lead. As a projected weekend starter this season, Marohn’s improvement will be key to NC State’s success.
“It’s tough,” Marohn said. “Going out there, facing a pretty good team, they can swing a little bit. We saw that in the sixth and seventh innings there. But just going out there and pounding the zone was all I was trying to do and that led to success today.”
Graduate right-handed pitcher Matt Willadsen followed up Marohn, making his first appearance of the season. Working back from an injury, Willadsen is starting the season in the bullpen. The veteran pitcher threw just one inning and started off shaky when his first pitch went the yard for the Rams’ first home run of the day. However, Willadsen locked in and tossed a trio of strikeouts to stop Fordham in its tracks. With his steady presence and experience, the Wolfpack will certainly benefit from having Willadsen on the mound this season.
“I threw the first pitch and then it was a home run, of course this would happen,” Willadsen said. “But the main focus was just dial back in and go compete.”
The Wolfpack flexed its ability to put up points in bunches, scoring six runs in three different innings. Despite questions about the lineup’s ability, NC State looked the part today. While it’s only a three-game sample, several hitters showcased power hitting, including junior right fielder Brayden Fraasman. The junior college transfer broke the game open in the third, barreling his first home run in a Wolfpack uniform.
“I think it’s just our new strength guy,” Fraasman said. “The workouts he gives us are awesome. He’s number one. Going in the weight room, he’s given us those workouts, and it just shows on the field for everyone.”
It wasn’t just the starters that shined at the plate for the red-and-white. Sophomore outfielder Jake Bechtel saw his first action of the season and delivered a three-run homer over center field. With the ability to get its depth pieces involved, the Wolfpack got valuable experience in case of injuries and for future seasons.
Next up, NC State will host Liberty for its first-midweek matchup of the season on Tuesday. First pitch at Doak Field is set for 3 p.m.
