Raleigh, N.C.- Strong offensive and defensive mistakes by Winthrop softball team (15-16, 4-5 BSC) in the fourth and fifth innings gave NC State softball team (20-15, 2-7 ACC) a 4-2 victory late Tuesday night at Dail Stadium. This is a strong win for the Wolfpack and adds another win to their recent two game winning streak, which started when the Pack beat Boston College in a 2-1 series.
Of Note: Tuesday evening game was originally scheduled to be played on March 20 but was rescheduled due to weather conditions. This win tonight improves the Packs winning streak to three games now. -Natalie Jones, Randi Farricker, and Sam Russ each had multiple hit performance, while Farricker brought in two runs and Jones and Logan Morris brought in a run each. -Sydney Nester (10-4) received the win as she pitched all seven innings and had eleven strikeouts on the night.
How It Happened: NC State started the first inning strong with Ace Sdyney Nester striking out the first few batters of Winthrop. Then in the bottom of the first NC State was able to score a run by an error by Winthrop first baseman. Then in the top of the second inning Winthrop came out swinging and scored on a line drive double by second basemen Blake Wallert. In the third innings both sides play strong defensive to keep either one from scoring. At the bottom of the fourth inning was where NC State was able to find their groove on offensive. NC State’s senior Natalie Jones hit a smooth RBI single through the left field that led Farricker to third and Skylar Johnston home to give the Pack a 2-1 lead. With another strong defensive outing in the fifth inning stretch kept state their 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the fifth State were able to add to their lead with a fly out by Logan Morris that allowed Sam Russ to score and then Farricker doubled to right field and allowed Nordberg to score which gave State a 4-1 lead heading to the final innings. As the seventh inning started Winthrop show they still had a chance by getting some runners in scoring position at second and third base. Then Morgan Lowers was able to get a little contact and sprinted to first base where she was then struck in the back by a throw by catcher Chandley Garner, which led to Winthrop to advance their other two runs and score. It was a 4-2 game with Winthrop having the tying runners on base. As Winthrop last hope came to bat, State’s Ace Sydney Nester was able to keep strong and struck out their final hope and gave NC State a victory on a chilly night in Raleigh at Dail Stadium.
On Deck: NC State will have another midweek game Wednesday where they will travel to UNCG with a 5 p.m. first pitch at UNCG Softball Stadium. Wednesday game will be broadcasted on ESPN+ ($) for fans who aren’t able to make to the stadium.