In one of the sloppiest game of the year, in which 12 total errors were committed, six by each team, the N.C. State Wolfpack walked away with an 8-6 victory over the East Carolina Pirates. With the win State moves to 26-13(9-9 in ACC), while ECU drops to 24-14. Sophomore pitcher Mike Russo (2-0) picked up the win, while junior Grant Sasser closed out the game, pitching the final 1 2/3 innings for his second save of the season.

State jumped out to the lead early on in the first inning, when senior right fielder Drew Poulk drove in his cousin senior second baseman Dallas Poulk, giving the Pack the 1-0 lead. In the top of the fourth, State tacked on another run, but East Carolina was able to cut into the deficit in the bottom half of the inning, taking the score to 2-1.

The Pirates then took the lead in the bottom of the fifth with a three-run inning and threatened for more. However, redshirt sophomore Nate King was able to come on in relief of redshirt pitcher Vance Williams and end the ECU rally, limiting the damage to just three runs, giving the Pirates a 5-2 lead.

A two-run homer by sophomore designated hitter Pratt Maynard gave the Pack the lead once again, and the Pack never looked back, as it was able to add three more runs in the top of the eighth, helping to secure the State victory.

In the game the Pack used seven different pitchers including freshman Felix Roque, who made a spot start, as projected starter Rey Cotilla was unable to pitch due to injury. Though the team allowed six runs to the Pirates, only one of the six runs was an earned run.

Maynard, Drew Poulk and sophomore outfielder John Gianis helped pace the Pack’s offensive attack as all three hitters had at least one hit and two RBI’s.

Up next for the Pack will be a huge ACC series against the Boston College Eagles this weekend in Raleigh at Doak Field. The first pitch is set to begin Friday night at 6:30