NC State softball snapped its seven-game losing streak with a 12-2 win over Elon, finishing off the Phoenix in just five-innings before the game ended with a run-rule.
The Wolfpack (19-16) didn’t get going until the fourth inning, but once they did, there was no stopping the red-and-white. Tied at two apiece to open the bottom of the fourth, NC State broke through the dam and scored 10 runs in one inning. Once the inning ended, Elon (13-22) had no hope of catching up with the Pack.
With one runner on base, sophomore pinch hitter MaKayla Marbury kicked off the scoring in the fourth with a two-run blast, helping the Pack jump out to a 4-2 lead. While Marbury didn’t start, she made the most of her opportunity as a pinch hitter with the shot over centerfield. However, Marbury’s homer wasn’t the last of the inning.
With the lead, the Pack’s bats suddenly heated up. Freshman left fielder Tori Ensley and junior right fielder Taylor Ensley quickly got into scoring position. Utility player and right-handed pitcher Madison Inscoe then nailed a home run past the left field fence for a trio of runs. Suddenly, the red-and-white found itself up by five runs.
Junior third baseman Hannah Goodwin was the next player to scare the Phoenix. Goodwin patiently earned a walk, then advanced twice on wild pitches to reach third base. Sophomore center fielder Ellie Goins joined Goodwin with a walk of her own. Now on base, both runners stole a base at the same time, scoring Goodwin and putting Goins into scoring position. An error would eventually bring Goins home as well, stretching NC State’s lead to seven runs.
With a 9-2 lead, the Wolfpack made its way through the entire lineup with only one out, bringing Marbury back to the plate. Marbury picked up a walk, which loaded the bases with Taylor Ensley on deck. The junior right fielder smacked a two-RBI single into left field. The hit was followed up by another RBI-single that drove Marbury home. By the end of the inning, NC State held a 12-2 lead, which it maintained the rest of the way.
Equally important as the Pack’s hitting was its strong pitching. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Rylee Wyman was awarded the start and delivered two strikeouts in her three innings pitched. She was pulled in the fourth in favor of Inscoe, who earned the win. Inscoe only gave up one hit before stepping back for freshman righty Kayla Fekel to close the game. Fekel handled business and didn’t surrender a hit while in the pitching circle.
Next up, NC State will remain in Raleigh for an important ACC series against the Virginia Tech Hokies. The first game of the series is scheduled for Friday, April 5, at 6 p.m. at Dail Softball Stadium. The game will be available on ACC Network Extra.
