N.C . State (15-3, 5-1) faced a ranked conference opponent Wake Forest (16-7, 3-3) over the weekend in a three-game series. The battle between two teams near the top of the ACC Atlantic Division proved to be no great challenge for the Wolfpack , who took all three games.
In Friday’s series opener, the Pack took advantage of mistakes made by Wake and grabbed the early lead, scoring five runs through the first four innings on three errors. State’s bats came to life in the bottom of the sixth inning, putting four runs on the board with an RBI-single from junior Danny Canela , an RBI double by junior Chris Diaz and an RBI-single from senior Ryan Mathews.
Junior right-handed pitcher Ethan Ogburn got the start for the Wolfpack , keeping up a solid resume and continuing to establish himself as part of a very strong pitching staff. Friday, he threw 5.2 innings, striking out three and giving up three runs on six hits, and getting the win (2-1). Junior right-handed pitcher Chris Overman came in as the closer and earned the save.
With the win, the Wolfpack broke the Deacs’ 14-game winning streak and brought its own streak to four games heading into Saturday’s matchup.
Saturday’s game brought a start for freshman left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon who continued his dominance on the mound. The young southpaw threw eight innings, gave up four hits and allowed only one earned run while striking out nine. What was most impressive about Rodon’s outing was his ability to remain composed in a high-pressure first inning. After giving up two runs and two more Wake base runners on with no outs, he sprung the Pack out of the jam with his heat consistently reaching the 90s on the radar gun.
“Started off a little reckless, but pulled through and got the win,” said Rodon , who was feeling good about his decision to come to State over going pro.
“One of the best decisions of my life… being here, getting a college education. This team is like a brotherhood and we all have one goal: to win.”
Rodon showed his durability, throwing 125 pitches and looking strong through the eighth inning when Coach Elliott Avent decided to relieve him.
“He wanted to finish, he could have finished,” Avent said. “He was so mad at me in the ninth inning when I took him out.”
Seniors Andrew Ciencin and Ryan Mathews also homered in the sixth inning (their fourth and third on the season, respectively) to help solidify the win, causing Doak Field to sound like Carter-Finley or the PNC Arena with their fervent cheers of “Wolf! Pack!”
Another familiar storyline from Saturday’s game was that of the eminent talent of freshman Trae Turner. In the bottom of the third, Turner jacked the first home run of his college career to complement his two stolen bases and two RBI’s of the day, making him the biggest contributor to the Wolfpack’s run total and adding on to his ACC-leading 17 stolen bases. The next highest total in the conference is eight.
“It feels good to be playing so well, but everyone is contributing,” Turner said. “If one person doesn’t step up this game, another person steps it up. It’s awesome seeing everyone playing a part.”
Sunday’s game brought some struggles for the Pack’s front-loaded pitching staff, as freshman right-handed pitcher Logan Jernigan got the start but threw only two innings, giving up a run but striking out two. Senior right-handed pitcher Vance Williams came in as a middle reliever and sophomore righty Anthony Tzamzis pitched the final three innings, giving up no runs and earning the win (4-1).
The runs were spread out as well, with RBI’s coming from five different players. However, the Pack held it together to squeak out a win and bring their streak to five games and complete the sweep against Wake Forest.
“I like everything about how they’re playing right now. The leadership of this ball club has been phenomenal,” Coach Elliott Avent said. “We have a lot of talent, a lot of young guys in the lineup everyday and their talent and hunger helps them follow our leaders.”
Avent also praised the home fans that showed up. “It was an unbelievable crowd – that helps so much. When you see the hill filled, you feel good about your chances every time,” Avent said.
Next, the Wolfpack takes on East Carolina University Tuesday in Greenville at 6 p.m .
