By Sam Whitestone
RALEIGH, NC., (March 2nd, 2019) — NC State Baseball (9-0) hosted the Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-6) this Saturday at Doak Field in the first game of a doubleheader. NC State came into the game riding an eight game win streak while rising to #10 in the national rankings. The Wolfpack were able to edge the Golden Gophers, 3-2, to remain undefeated.
Both starting pitchers were dominant through the first three innings as the contest remained scoreless with each team managing just one hit. However, the Wolpack were able to find a breakthrough in the bottom of the fourth. The breakthrough came through a Brad Debo double off the wall, which drove in Vojtech Mensik. J.T. Jarrett followed up with a double of his own driving in Debo. Wolfpack outfielder, Jonny Butler, then singled up the middle to drive in Jarrett, resulting in a 3-0 lead for NC State.
The Golden Gophers offense struggled to generate any production until the top of the 6th, when Jack Wassel ripped an RBI double to right center. This was the lone run that Minnesota could produce in the sixth, as Wolfpack relief pitcher Kent Klyman, was able to get the Wolfpack out of the jam. However, the Gophers would strike back quickly with a Cole McDevitt solo home run in the top of the seventh. The McDevitt homerun cut the Wolfpack lead to 3-2.
While the Wolfpack offense struggled in the later innings, the Golden Gophers offense was constantly threatening. However, it was NC State relief pitcher, Dalton Feeney who came out on top. Feeney stranded runners on first and second in the top of the seventh. He was also able to get out of a bases-loaded with one out jam, as he forced the Gophers to ground into a double play. Feeney also worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning, giving the Wolfpack their ninth win of the season.
Wolfpack starting pitcher Jason Parker (2-0) was rewarded with the win and Dalton Feeney earned his second save of the year.
The Wolfpack Baseball team completes their series with Minnesota this Sunday, and return home on March 8th as they begin ACC play with a 3-game series against Pittsburgh.