The NC State softball team soundly defeated NC Central 14-0 in a fall exhibition game this Saturday at Dail Softball Stadium.
The Wolfpack offense had a field day against NC Central. NC State got its first run in the first inning from junior outfielder Sam Russ, who was walked, bunted over and scored off an error. In the second inning, senior outfielder Angie Rizzi hit a single, stole second and scored off a wild pitch making the score 2-0.
NC State had a surge of offense in the third inning scoring seven runs. It started with a leadoff double by junior infielder Madeline Curtis. Russ would then hit a double which scored Curtis and a double by senior outfielder Tatyana Forbes would then score Russ. Senior infielder Skylar Johnston hit a grand slam after a hit by pitch, fielder’s choice and walk had loaded the bases.
In the fifth inning, redshirt junior infielder Randi Farricker smashed a two-run home run, bringing in senior outfielder Bridgette Nordberg, who had led off the inning with a single. A three-run double by Rizzi added on three more runs in the sixth inning. The Wolfpack would not score any more runs for the remainder of the game.
Russ was impressive, going 4 for 4 with a triple, double, two singles and walk, finishing just a home run shy of the cycle. Johnston had herself a day as well, going 3 for 4 with a grand slam in the third inning.
The Wolfpack pitching was lights out as well, with 10 scoreless innings. Senior right-hander Devin Wallace started the first five innings and dished out 11 strikeouts while only allowing two hits. Sophomore righty Sydney Nester followed with five scoreless innings while only allowing three hits.
This win brings NC State softball to a 4-0-1 record in the fall season. The next fall game will be a home matchup against East Carolina on Oct. 19 at Dail Softball Stadium.
