N.C. State’s much-maligned offense managed only seven runs in three games this weekend as Georgia Tech swept the Wolfpack in Atlanta.
As a team, State batted just .167 and was worse with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-17 in the series.
But it wasn’t as if the Pack got that many runners on base to begin with. In the three games, State walked only six times, struck out 33 times and posted a dismal .223 on-base percentage.
“Georgia Tech pitched very well,” coach Elliott Avent said. “They hit their spots with their fastballs and really commanded the strike zone. They were ahead in counts and threw a lot of breaking balls, especially with guys in scoring position.”
Despite the lack of offense, the Pack got solid starting pitching performances Friday and Saturday. Sophomore left-hander Eric Surkamp took the loss Friday night but did not allow a run until the ninth inning of a 2-1 pitching duel.
Saturday, junior Andrew Brackman was not quite as effective but left the game in the sixth inning with State trailing by only a run at 4-3. Unfortunately for the Pack, that was the final score.
“You’ve got to tip your hat to Georgia Tech and say they were the better team. That’s all you can do,” Avent said. “We played well, especially on Friday and Saturday, and fought hard. Our guys played with a lot of confidence and emotion and Georgia Tech just found a way to win.”
In the series finale Sunday, however, State didn’t get its usually reliable starting pitching. Freshman Jimmy Gillheeney (3-2) went just two and a third innings and gave up six earned runs on seven hits, while striking out just one Yellow Jacket batter.
For Gillheeney, it was the second straight start in which he has struggled after beginning the season at 3-0 as a starter.
“I’m concerned [about Gillheeney],” Avent said. “It’s two outings in a row where he didn’t get to the fifth inning.”
With the three losses, the Pack (27-14 overall, 11-10 ACC) remained in third place in the Atlantic Division of the conference but fell further behind division leader No.-1 Florida State, which took two of three from No.-2 North Carolina over the weekend — the same North Carolina-team State will host this weekend after a Wednesday non-conference game at Doak Field against UNC-Wilmington.
But even in the face of the Georgia Tech sweep and the rivalry series against the No. 2-ranked Tar Heels looming, Avent pointed to a few positives about the way his team is playing.
“We played great defense this whole weekend, and Eric Surkamp was outstanding Friday night,” he said. “We just didn’t get some things done that we should’ve gotten done. It’s a little disappointing.”
