In the final game of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Crabtree Invitational, the NC State softball team defeated Murray State, 10-1, in a five-inning mercy rule at Dail Softball Stadium.
Behind three two-run home runs from junior right fielder Brigette Nordberg (her fifth, sixth and seventh), the Wolfpack (6-6) jumped on the Racers (4-9) early and never looked back.
“My high school career I hit three home runs [in one game],” Nordberg said. “But on this stage, this is the first time I’ve ever done it.”
Freshman right-hander Sydney Nester (4-2, 2.28 ERA) went the distance for the Pack, throwing five strong innings. Nester allowed just one earned run on four hits and two walks, striking out five batters.
“[Sydney] did a great job,” coach Jennifer Patrick-Swift said. “Her ball was moving a lot.”
Nordberg kicked off her home run hat trick with a no-doubter to right field in the first inning and followed it up with one in the third inning and the last in the fifth for the mercy-rule walk-off win. All three of Nordberg’s home runs scored sophomore left fielder Sam Russ who reached base three times by way of walk (twice) and hit-by-pitch.
“Everything just clicked today,” Nordberg said. “It feels good to be free and relaxed in the [batter’s] box.”
Nordberg’s three home run game was NC State’s first such game since Molly Hutchison hit three home runs in a 12-11 win over Georgia Tech on April 8, 2017.
Embracing her job to get on base as the leadoff hitter, Russ continued to show off her excellent eye at the plate, with her three free passes bringing her season total of walks and HBPs to eight.
Senior second baseman Natalie Jones (2-3, three RBIs) added a home run of her own, launching a three-run shot down the left field line in the fifth inning, bringing the Pack’s home run total on the day to four.
“We always want to stay aggressive,” Nordberg said. “We’re attacking and we’re hitting the ball out.”
Sophomore third baseman Logan Morris (1-3, double), junior designated player Skylar Johnston (1-3) and freshman catcher Kelli Wagner (1-1, RBI, walk) eached picked up a hit for the Wolfpack.
After struggling offensively to begin the season, the Pack now has at least nine runs in back-to-back games and reached base 15 times in the win, with eight hits and six walks, and reaching base on an error twice.
“[The players] have to continue to believe in themselves,” Patrick-Swift said. “Good things are going to happen and bad things are going to happen, we just have to continue to play the game.”
The Wolfpack will return to action on Wednesday when it hits the road to take on UNC-Charlotte at 4 p.m. at Sue M. Daughtridge Stadium.
