The crowd fell silent in the Doak. With two runners in scoring position, leadoff hitter Rett Johnson looked to bring in the winning run with one swing. Johnson was caught looking at strike three, and NC State baseball fell 3-2 to Duke.
“I think we’re playing well” said head coach Elliott Avent “I think we are playing now, the way I’m used to seeing our teams play baseball, we are a little short handed, but our guys are digging deep”
The Wolfpack (23-12, 8-7 ACC) failed to secure the season sweep over the Blue Devils (22-16, 8-10 ACC). The last time Duke fell to NC State in a season sweep was 2012, and the Blue Devils nearly met that fate today.
The Blue Devils’ prayers were answered by Kaden Smith, who hit a no-doubt solo home run in the top of the 9th to take the lead 3-2. The Wolfpack couldn’t find the grass at all, only totaling four hits.
The Wolfpack never got settled in the batters box, as it hit mainly ground balls and fly-outs, contributing to a very fast paced game. When the Pack did rip the ball, the wind kept it in play allowing it to find the glove of a Blue Devil. The Wolfpack struck out seven times, the same amount of strikeouts thrown by junior lefthander Cooper Consiglio.
Consiglio opened the game with some jitters, as Duke capitalized on him early, recording two runs in the first two frames. But he showed his toughness, coming back from a rough start to deliver four scoreless innings.
“Coop, was unbelievable” said Avent “From the second inning on, he had a blister, and then from the fourth inning on he had two blisters, basically with no skin on either finger. Just a valiant effort from Cooper”.
Freshman left fielder Rett Johnson looked like NC State baseball legend Trea Turner around the bases, speeding by and being the only Pack player to score in the series finale. He made it on base on every at bat except for his final strikeout and also stole a base. The ability to consistently get on base and create havoc with stolen bases is rare, even more so for a freshman.
Sophomore right-hander Ryder Garino is credited the loss today, and while he did give up the game winning homer, he was solid outside of that hit. He exited the game with two strikeouts and his only hit allowed was the home run.
“Ryder came in and did a good job, just made that one mistake to a good hitter,” said Avent.
The stagnant bats from the Pack today were the crusher, as only three players recorded a hit. Junior first baseman Chris McHugh took home a pair of RBI doubles, but was the only player to find a deep gap in the outfield.
The Pack will take on midweek opponent East Carolina University in its next outing on Tuesday, April 14. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
