The NC State baseball team struggled offensively, losing its second consecutive game to No. 8 Florida State Friday night at Doak Field.

The Wolfpack (18-11, 6-7 ACC) managed to manufacture only four hits against an impressive display of pitching from the Seminoles (25-7, 11-3 ACC).

“I thought their guy pitched outstanding,” head coach Elliott Avent said. “I thought their guy kept us off stride. [He] was really really good.”

Florida State got on the board in the first inning when sophomore first baseman Quincy Nieporte hit a blooper into center that multiple Wolfpack players were unable to catch, driving home the runner from first. The throw home was in time but sophomore catcher Andrew Knizner was unable to hold onto the ball through contact, giving FSU an early 1-0 lead.

“We don’t get to a pop-up in the first inning,” Avent said. “To not catch that pop-up was disappointing and to still have the guy at the plate but not make the play.”

In the NC State first inning, senior second baseman Logan Ratledge hit a ball off the top of outfield wall for a double. Sophomore first baseman Preston Palmeiro walked, followed by senior right fielder Jake Armstrong reaching base on a fielding error to load the bases with only one out. Much like the night before, the Wolfpack failed to score with runners in scoring position, stranding three runners on base.

The Seminoles would load the bases with only one out in the second inning but NC State freshman pitcher Brian Brown (3-1, 3.29 ERA) would step up and strike out the next two batters to end the inning without damage.

“I thought I threw the ball well,” Brown said. “I only made a couple bad pitches, I thought. My changeup was really effective and fastball command has always been there.”

Once again, in the fifth inning the Wolfpack was unable to score after putting runners on base and one in scoring position.

Armstrong would lead off the NC State sixth inning with a single up the middle. Knizner successfully executed a sacrifice bunt to move Armstrong to second base. After a foul out fly ball from senior center fielder Jake Fincher, junior designated hitter Ryne Willard grounded out to end the inning with the Pack leaving one runner in scoring position.

The Pack — whose bats were on fire during the seven-game win streak prior to the Florida State series — struggled offensively, failing to produce any hits nor put anyone on base in the final three innings, ultimately losing another close game 1-0.

“[It’s] extremely disappointing,” Avent said. “To lose back-to-back heartbreaking games.”

NC State looks to rebound Saturday in the series finale and avoid a second sweep of of the season.