When N.C. State met UNC-G on March 6, the Wolfpack did not have a favorable outcome. The Spartans scored seven runs in the fifth inning en route to a 10-8 victory in Greensboro.
Coach Elliott Avent said State has not forgotten that game’s result.
“Whether its motivation, I don’t know. Certainly, there’s no such thing as payback,” Avent said. “You don’t like to lose anytime. We got to take care of business, and we got to go out and win a baseball game. We need to win every baseball game.”
The Pack (18-8, 5-4) will meet the Spartans (12-11, 1-2) at Doak Field tonight at 6 p.m. The game will be the second between the two teams this season. State leads the series between the two schools 19-4 and had won 12 straight before the loss earlier in the year.
Wednesday will be the first night game the team has played this season. Avent said night games allow extra time for the players to prepare for games.
“Our field is a beautiful field at night,” Avent said. “I think the thing that makes it much better is that they don’t have to rush in from class. You can take your time, get something to eat, and I think that’s actually what the team is probably more excited about.”
Junior Jeff Stallings is expected to make the start for the Pack. On the season, he is 2-0 with a 3.33 ERA in five starts this season.
Stallings will face a UNC-G team that averages 5.4 runs per game and has scored double-digit runs seven times this season.
But, Avent said it is UNC-G’s defense and pitching that is its real strength.
“They play outstanding defense,” Avent said. “They got a lot of pitchers that can come in out of the bullpen, and their starting pitching is good as well. We just got to put it all together and start playing better as a team.”
State, which just got back from a series in Winston-Salem, will face the Spartans at home before they head to Chestnut Hill, Mass., for a series against Boston College.
State has had a lot of success in Raleigh where they have posted a 13-3 record this season. Since 2005, the Pack has had an overall record of 64-15 at Doak Field. Avent said the Pack is one of the best teams in the nation at home.
“It’s a huge advantage. I think everyone likes to play at their home,” Avent said.
“Over the years, we’ve protected our home turf as well as anybody in the country. I think our record has been outstanding at home. We are just looking forward to playing at home, and looking forward to playing at night, and hopefully, we can get some of the students out. I love it when the students get the opportunity to come out.”
