Despite having high expectations for the season, N.C. State (0-1) began the 2013 season on the losing side. The Wolfpack fell to the Appalachian State Mountaineers, 6-3. Sophomore pitcher Carlos Rodon (0-1) pitched six innings and gave up five runs on five hits, despite striking out eight batters.

“It was just a tough day out there,” Rodon said. “Obviously, they are a good club. I left some pitches up, and they made contact.”

Appalachian State, the reigning Southern Conference champions, started strong with a three-run home run from freshman center fielder Jaylin Davis. Junior third baseman Noah Holmes hit a solo shot in the following inning.

Mountaineer sophomore pitcher Jamie Nunn (1-0) shut State out in the first three innings. Nunn went six innings and gave up one earned run on three hits and struck out five batters while walking two.

The Pack got on the scoreboard in the fourth inning. Sophomore shortstop Trea Turner opened the inning with a double. After advancing to third on a wild pitch from Nunn, Turner reached home plate on an error by App State second baseman Hector Crespo. On the same play, sophomore catcher Brett Austin scored on an additional Crespo error after being walked in the plate appearance prior. Senior left fielder Tarran Senay, the batter, wound up on second base after the play concluded. A double-play by senior first baseman Grant Clyde stalled the team’s momentum as the inning ended.

State scored only once more in the eighth inning. Turner began the frame with a single up the middle. After stealing second and third base, Turner scored on a sacrifice fly from Senay.

Turner was two-for-four with two runs and two steals. Sophomore center fielder Jake Fincher was the only other State player to record a hit. Fincher went one-for-three with a strikeout.

“We should have played a little bit better,” Turner said. “We have some adjustments to make.”