No.6 N.C. State 6, Miami 3: ACC Woes Continue

Miami dropped to 15-7 (3-4 ACC) on the year after their fourth consecutive loss came against the N.C. State Wolfpack. The Hurricanes played a pretty solid game tonight, but one bad inning from Evan McKendry put the Wolfpack in control of the game.

Through the first four innings the game was a pitcher’s duel. N.C. State starter Jason Parker and McKendry both matched each other pitch for pitch and worked out of jams. However, N.C. State put together a two-out rally in the top of the fifth to blow the game open. Two consecutive two-out doubles gave the Wolfpack their first run of the evening, an RBI single then made the game 2-0. McKendry gave up another single to put runners on the corners but still had a chance to get out of the inning without any further damage. That wasn’t meant to be though, as David Vazquez launched a three-run home run off the scoreboard in left that took the energy out of Mark Light Field.

In the bottom of the fifth Miami got two runs back. A walk, a HBP, and another walk loaded the bases for Freddy Zamora with one out. Zamora walked to make the game 5-1, and an RBI groundout from Adrian Del Castillo made the game 5-2. Alex Toral struck out to end the threat.

In the top of the seventh another two doubles gave N.C. State another run. In the bottom of the eighth Alex Toral hit his eleventh home run of the season to put Miami one run closer, Toral may pass Miami’s home run total from last season of 23 on his own this season.

Despite Miami’s bullpen not allowing a run, the ‘Canes couldn’t close what was already a large deficit and are 0-2 for the week as a result. At this point Miami needs to avoid a sweep and stop the losing streak ahead of an easier week next week.

Game Info

Winning Pitcher: Baker Nelson (1-0, 2.0 IP. 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K)

Losing Pitcher: Evan McKendry (4-1, 6.1 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 11 K)

Save: Dalton Feeney (5)

Box Score:

Next Game

Vs No.6 N.C. State Game 2

Date & Time: Saturday, March 23, 7:00 P.M. Eastern

Hurricanes Starter: Chris McMahon (1-1, 4.00 ERA)

N.C. State Starter: Reid Johnston (2-0, 2.86 ERA)

Radio: WVUM 90.5 FM

Television: ACC Network Extra