David Tracey
Junior utility player Brigette Nordberg hits a foul ball against Wisconsin on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 at Dail Softball Stadium. Nordberg went 1-3 with one home run and two runs batted in in the Wolfpack’s 6-3 loss.
NC State softball won its third straight run-rule game and fourth win in a row after defeating Charlotte 12-2 in just five innings Wednesday. The Wolfpack jumped on top quickly with a 4-0 lead after the first inning to set the pace for the remainder of the game.
Things started off in NC State’s favor when junior Brigette Nordberg hit a single to shortstop, beating out the throw. After stealing second, sophomore Logan Morris brought her home with an RBI single to centerfield.
Freshman Kelli Wagner kept the inning alive bringing in two runners with a double to right field to clear the bases, pushing the lead to 4-0.
The 49ers had multiple hits to start out their offensive slate but were never able to close the deal, ending with a strikeout, pop-up and ground out to third.
After receiving honors as ACC Co-Player of the Week, Nordberg continued her success with a two-run home run and a grand slam to push NC State to an 11-0 start in the top of the third. This was her eighth homer of the year and fifth in just two games.
Nordberg now is the only person in program history to hit five home runs in a two-game stretch.
Morris followed in Nordberg’s footsteps when she hit a solo homer to center field, marking a 12-run lead for the Pack going into the bottom of the third.
The 49ers battled back with back-to-back hits to get them on the board with one run. NC State’s defense was too strong to handle before quickly heading into another inning.
Charlotte sported nine hits throughout the game, only one less than NC State, and one error. The Pack’s offensive skill set was too much for the 49er’s defense to control, creating a big scoring gap early on.
Up next the Wolfpack will host Kansas Friday evening at 6 p.m. inside Dail Softball Stadium. The game will be broadcasted live on ACC Network Extra.