Duke University Baseball: Freshman Henry Zatkowski Shines in Historic Win Over NC State
DURHAM, N.C. – In a spectacular display of talent and hard work, freshman sensation Henry Zatkowski took center stage on Sunday afternoon, pitching a career-high six innings to lead the Duke Blue Devils (19-10, 7-5 ACC) to a decisive 16-6 run-rule victory over NC State (18-10, 5-4 ACC) at Jack Coombs Field. This commanding win not only marked a significant achievement but also secured Duke's first series triumph over the Wolfpack since 2014, making this game a memorable milestone in Blue Devils baseball history.
Zatkowski's Career Day
Zatkowski showed no signs of hesitance on the mound, boasting an impressive record of 3-1 this season. He allowed only two runs on three hits while striking out four batters, demonstrating both skill and poise throughout his 80 pitches. The standout moment came early when he retired the first 11 batters, only to have his perfect game interrupted by a solo home run from Josh Houge. However, Zatkowski soon solidified his dominance by regrouping and maintaining control over the game.
Blue Devils Strike Back
In response to NC State's initial score, the Blue Devils quickly rallied in the bottom of the fourth inning. Freshman Macon Winslow stepped up with a clutch single to right field, bringing home Ben Miller. The offensive momentum continued when Kyle Johnson doubled down the right-field line, boosting the score to 5-1 after an error allowed AJ Gracia to cross home plate.
Scoring Surges and Clutch Plays
The fifth inning saw Winslow enhance the lead with a bases-loaded walk, while Ben Rounds scored Jake Hyde with a fly ball to center field. Duke's offense exploded for a total of four runs in this frame, extending their advantage to 9-1.
Despite NC State's attempts to claw back, narrowing the gap to 9-4 in the sixth and seventh innings, Duke's offensive prowess remained undeterred. The Blue Devils scored three additional runs in the seventh, culminating in a thrilling finish when they run-ruled the Wolfpack through a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch by Wallace Clark, a fitting end to a remarkable performance.
Key Takeaways from the Game
First Series Victory: This was Duke's first series victory over NC State since 2014, injecting new life into the Blue Devils' season.
Wallace Clark's Streak: Senior Clark extended his impressive reached-base streak to 29 games, showcasing his resilience by getting hit by two pitches.
Ben Miller's Hitting Streak: Graduate student Miller continued his 12-game hitting streak, the longest on the team, finishing 1-for-4 with two runs.
Impressive Team Stats
The Blue Devils further solidified their dominance with notable statistics:
Duke is now 230-50 (.821) when scoring three or more runs in an inning since 2016.
Duke also stands at 45-1 when scoring 10 or more runs in a game in 2023.
Insights from Head Coach Chris Pollard
Head coach Chris Pollard praised his team's execution of situational offense, highlighting their adaptability and effectiveness. "What you saw is that in an effort to do things situationally, we got rewarded with some base hits," he stated. Pollard's comments showcase the team's commitment to strategy and teamwork.
What's Next for Duke Baseball?
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils will return to Jack Coombs Field for a midweek matchup against Davidson. Fans can catch the action on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Don’t miss out on witnessing Duke's quest for further victories!
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#GoDuke – an exciting journey continues!
