NC State Baseball Triumphs Over Duke: A Showcase of Power and Precision
DURHAM, NC – In an electrifying display of athleticism and skill, NC State Baseball roared back into the win column, snapping a three-game losing streak with a commanding 14-6 victory over the Duke Blue Devils at Jack Coombs Field on Saturday afternoon. This thrilling game not only evened the series but highlighted the explosive talent of the Wolfpack as they eye success in the ACC.
An Offensive Explosion
NC State (18-9, 5-3) demonstrated an impressive offensive clinic, scoring in six of the nine innings played. What stood out was the power at the plate, with the team belting out four home runs and racking up a total of 13 hits. The Wolfpack's lineup was relentless, with standout performances that stole the show.
Stellar Performances
One of the day's heroes was Ryan Jaros, who hit his first home run as a Wolfpack player and finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs and three runs scored. His performance has propelled him to 13 hits this season, with five of those being extra-base hits. See Ryan's profile here.
Brayden Fraasman also shone brightly in the spotlight, contributing with two hits and three RBIs, scoring twice himself. The offensive might didn't stop there—Luke Nixon, Justin DeCriscio, and Alex Sosa each went deep, showcasing the team’s home-run-hitting prowess. Notably, DeCriscio and Sosa launched back-to-back homers in the ninth inning, with DeCriscio ending the day with three RBIs.
Adding to the excitement, Matt Heavner, who leads the nation in sacrifice bunts, added to his tally with two hits that drove in key runs, demonstrating grit and strategy that complemented the offensive fireworks.
Pitching that Holds Strong
The Wolfpack’s pitching staff, particularly Anderson Nance (4-1), held the Blue Devils at bay for five innings, allowing only one run on three hits with five strikeouts. Despite a late inning surge where Duke managed to score a couple of runs, Nance's performance was vital in stabilizing the game for NC State. Learn more about Anderson's journey here.
On the other side, Andre Healey (2-3) took the loss for Duke, yielding six runs on six hits in a tough outing. The Blue Devils utilized five pitchers throughout the game, each struggling to contain the Wolfpack's relentless offense.
Managing the Game
The first inning set a competitive tone, with a leadoff home run from Duke igniting the crowd. However, the NC State defense swiftly responded with a 6-4-3 double play that mitigated further damage.
In the second inning, the Wolfpack showcased their offensive strategy through a series of hits, culminating in a four-run inning that established a solid foundation for the game. Key plays included a clutch single from Head and a successful sacrifice bunt from Heavner that put the Wolfpack in the lead, a position they would not relinquish.
As the match unfolded, NC State continued to outmaneuver the Blue Devils. Despite Duke tying the game in the fifth with a two-run double, the Wolfpack's resilience shone bright. DeCriscio ignited the sixth inning with a double, shortly before Jaros smashed a go-ahead homer—a clear signal that the Wolfpack was in control.
Closing the Game in Style
The seventh and eighth innings delivered a clinic in offensive strategy, with Nixon adding insurance runs, and the team relentlessly pushing the envelope. With DeCriscio's solo blast in the ninth followed by Sosa's subsequent homer, the Wolfpack demonstrated their power-hitting prowess—notching three home runs in one game, a feat not achieved since their prior matchup against Duke.
Looking Ahead: A Chance for Victory
With the momentum firmly in their favor, NC State is poised to clinch their third straight ACC series. Be sure to catch the thrilling conclusion of this rivalry matchup against Duke as they face off again on Sunday, March 30, at 1 p.m. Catch the action live on ACCNX.
For more updates on NC State Baseball and their journey throughout the season, visit NC State Athletics. Don’t miss the electrifying action as the Wolfpack continues their pursuit of glory on the diamond!
