Since dropping its first game against Appalachian State, the N.C. State baseball team (6-1) has exploded in its offense and dominated on the mound. 

The Wolfpack utilized its skills on the diamond to propel past the New Mexico State Aggies (3-5) Wednesday afternoon at Doak Field, 9-2. State’s scored nine runs off of seven hits and three New Mexico State errors, but the team left 12 runners on base. 

“We have made a lot of progress since the first week,” head coach Elliott Avent said. “New Mexico State has a good baseball team, and we had to have good plate appearances today. They have a plan for every hitter, so we had to come prepared with a plan of our own.” 

Senior pitcher Ethan Ogburn started on the mound for State and pitched four innings. Ogburn allowed two runs, one earned, on one hit and struck out six Aggies and walked four. 

Sophomore pitcher Travis Orwig (2-0) entered the game in relief and pitched four shutout innings, earning the win. Orwig held New Mexico State to one hit and recorded three strikeouts and walked one batter. 

Freshman pitcher Jon Olczak pitched a one-hit ninth inning to end the game. 

“Travis Orwig was outstanding,” Avent said. “He turned the game for us. Travis has always been tough and competitive. He’s been ready every time we’ve called on him.” 

The Pack ended the first frame with a 2-0 advantage, taking the lead after senior designated hitter Tarran Senay drove in senior center fielder Brett Williams and sophomore catcher Brett Austin with a one-out triple. 

After allowing one run in the third and fourth inning to bring the score to 2-2, State scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth to break open the scoring. Senior left fielder Bryan Adametz opened the bottom half with a single. After sophomore third baseman Jake Armstrong walked and sophomore shortstop Trea Turner got hit by a pitch, Williams slapped a single to right field, scoring Adametz and Armstrong. Austin reached base in the next at bat on a throwing error from Aggie shortstop Parker Hipp and drove in Turner. Senay grounded out to stop the Pack’s momentum. 

After going three-up-three-down in the next inning, State once again returned to scoring after New Mexico State gave up an error on a hit from Armstrong, a single from Turner and three consecutive walks to Austin, Senay and sophomore right fielder Jake Fincher. Armstrong and Turner scored to bring the score to 7-2. 

After the Aggies retired the first two batters in the seventh, Armstrong was hit by a pitch and later stole second base. Turner walked to bring Williams to the plate. The center fielder then slapped a single up the middle to score Armstrong. After a double steal from Turner and Williams, Austin walked to load the bases. However, Senay struck out looking to end the threat. 

Fincher was hit by a pitch at the beginning of the eighth inning and scored on an Adametz double. 

Adametz would be left stranded on second as the next three batters struck out to end State’s offensive efforts. 

Despite being held without a hit, Armstrong led the team in runs, reaching home plate three times on the day. 

Williams and Senay each drove in three runs, leading the team. Williams recorded two hits and a walk in five plate appearances while Senay only had one hit and one walk in five plate appearances. 

State will conclude its series with New Mexico State University today when the teams return to action at 3 p.m. at Doak Field.