NC State’s midweek win serves as reset ahead of pivotal ACC stretch

NC State could have canceled its last midweek game of the year. It is a common occurrence to do that this time of the season as teams battle injury and look to avoid their RPI falling by playing a non-conference foe. 

But the 23rd-ranked Wolfpack did not want to do that against Norfolk State on Tuesday night at Doak Field. The Pack turned that into an 18-0 win, powered by 10 different players with at least one RBI. 

“We just wanted to do what the game calls for,” coach Elliott Avent said after the Wolfpack’s 27th win of the year. “It calls for playing the game the way it’s meant to be played with the respect the game deserves. I think our guys felt the same way. Just really proud of our guys going out there and taking care of business.”

NC State’s dominant win sent the team down seven spots in the RPI to No. 26 after playing a sub-300 squad, but it was useful in resetting the Wolfpack’s players. The red and white is in the midst of a gauntlet to end the regular season after it split two games at No. 7 Florida State before it visits No. 10 Virginia and hosts No. 12 Wake Forest to end the year, and the midweek win was a step in the right direction mentally. 

Why? The Pack has struggled in Tuesday contests this season. NC State holds a 3-6 record in the non-conference games during the week — it lost five straight over nearly two months by an average of 3.6 runs per game before it dominated against Norfolk State. 

Though the Wolfpack was expected to beat the Spartans, a game that was unlike the other midweeks against quality in-state opponents, it still served a purpose to help level the red and white’s mindset. 

“I think getting back on the win track in these Tuesday games is big for us,” said freshman left-handed pitcher Ryan Marohn, who threw 4.1 scoreless innings as the starter. “We have two big series left in the ACC and I think we can build momentum off of this going to UVA this weekend.”

While Marohn was able to log another quality start, the midweek game allowed the Wolfpack to utilize its bench, allowing the reserves to also get a sense of where they are at before the pivotal time of the year arrives this weekend. 

Sophomore infielder Matt Heavner is swinging the bat well and he logged a pinch-hit base hit that scored a run, while redshirt junior infielder Carson Falsken did the same and sophomore utility player Andrew Shaffner recorded his first-career hit with two RBI. 

That injected a different sense of energy into NC State’s lineup, which its starters know that they are capable. Now, the bench proved that it can step up when needed as well. That depth may be key moving into the last six regular season games as injuries continue to test it. 

Outfielder Josh Hogue is done for the year with a fractured leg, which caused freshman Luke Nixon to play more consistently in left field. Heavner has filled in well at second base in the meantime, a positive sign for a team looking to make a run to hosting a regional in a few weeks.

In addition to the reserves making a splash, freshman catcher Alex Sosa returned to his preseason form against Norfolk State. He snapped an 0-for-37 streak at the plate with a 2-for-3 night, including a two-run homer. Sosa’s bat will also be crucial as he can give junior catcher Jacob Cozart a break behind the plate at times, while also serving as an option at designated hitter.

“Everybody’s feeling good right now,” Sosa said. “The guys off the bench, they stepped up and did their thing. Everybody’s grooving and we’re excited to take it into this weekend.”

This weekend will set the tone for the rest of the year. If the Pack can steal yet another top-15 series, it will position itself well to close the season at home against the Demon Deacons. That weekend could make the difference between hosting a regional or traveling for the NCAA Tournament, and the Pack hopes it can open Doak Field in June. 

But in the meantime, the team’s first midweek win in just under two months was a positive reset for the Wolfpack as crunch time approaches. 

“This game gives you so many bad nights, it’s a hard game,” Avent said. “Obviously when you go out there and get good swings and feel good about yourself, it helps you.”