In its last game of the NFCA Leadoff Classic, NC State softball left Clearwater, Florida with another win under its belt. After grabbing the team’s first victory of the season against Missouri State a day prior, the Pack had an electric start against St. John’s and beat the Red Storm 9-1.
The Wolfpack (2-3) lit the diamond up early while continuing its success in the batter’s box through all seven innings. St. John’s (0-5) also got off to a quick offensive start in the first, but the red-and-white shut the Red Storm out throughout the remaining six innings.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Madison Inscoe took to the pitching circle for the Pack and stayed there for all seven innings. This game proved to be one of Inscoe’s best — especially as she set a new career-high in strikeouts. Between the third and fifth inning, she struck out six consecutive batters and finished the game with nine total.
The top of the first inning saw some of the best offense the Pack has had in a long time. With two players walking to first and second base, and then a wild pitch to send them to third and second, it was only a matter of time before NC State got on the board. Junior right fielder Taylor Ensley stepped up to the challenge and drilled a home run to left field to give the Pack a 3-0 advantage.
St. John’s also got on the scorecard during the first inning, but were only able to get one run in before Inscoe worked her magic. Junior London Jarrard hammered a triple to center field and was driven home when the next batter grounded out to shortstop.
Despite not scoring in the second inning, NC State was able to get players on bases. After four Pack players walked, it was an all-or-nothing moment for redshirt sophomore first baseman Michele Tarpey. With two outs and bases loaded, Tarpey struck out swinging and sent the team back into the field.
NC State tallied another run again in the third inning courtesy of junior left fielder Tori Ensley hitting a single which sent sophomore shortstop MaKayla Marbury sprinting to third and sophomore designated hitter Nadia Sykes to home. Now up 4-1, it was time for the Pack’s fielding and pitching to shine.
Inscoe took to the circle and quickly rallied a three-up, three-down showing at the bottom of the third inning and again in the fourth. The Pack didn’t score again until the fifth inning, but when it did it was explosive. NC State showed off its base-stealing abilities within the inning, with three steals by three separate players. Sykes, Ensley and Marbury scored again for the Wolfpack, boosting its lead to 7-1. The Pack scored two more points in the final inning with senior pinch hitter Haley Haislip and senior second baseman Kaylee Lambrecht securing the 9-1 win for the red-and-white.
NC State will travel back to Raleigh for its first home series of the season. The Marucci Classic will take place from Friday, Feb. 16 to Sunday, Feb. 18 with the Pack kicking things off against North Dakota State on Friday at 2:30.
