Reid Johnston Leads NC State To Semifinals

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After a three-game win streak against opponent Pittsburgh right at the end of the regular season, NC State (29-15, 19-14 ACC) was looking to continue that in the ACC Championship as they took on the Pittsburgh Panthers (23-19, 16-17 ACC)  Thursday evening ending with a 3-2 win on Trust Field in Charlotte, NC. 

Right-handed pitcher Reid Johnston started out on the mound for NC State in the matchup. After a two-out RBI double, the Panthers were able to get points on the board early on in the bottom of the first as they took the initial lead of the game (1-0) over the Wolfpack. 

The Pack reacted quickly (T2)  as second baseman J.T Jarrett tripled down the right-field line bringing in teammate and third baseman V. Mensik, as well as right fielder Devonte Brown to take back the lead. After a wild pitch from the Panthers (RHP) Matt Gilbertson, J.T. Jarrett takes off to home plate, and just like that the Pack was back on top to close out the top of the second inning with a 3-1 score. 

Johnston allowed his first walk of the night and the bases are then loaded for Pitt in the bottom of the third, Washington reached on a fielder’s choice to third base, advancing Hess to second and Duff comes in to score for the Panthers taking it to a 3-2 game. 

The following six innings were very intense, as no runs were scored for either team. Right-handed pitcher Justice (4.50 ERA) stepped in to finish it out for Johnston right at the bottom of the ninth. Evan Justice yielded a leadoff walk, then fired one to Jarrett, and finished off striking out Panthers (INF) Brock Franks, obtaining the 3-2 win for the Pack.

 Reid Johnston (4.18 ERA) tossed a gem of an outing, as he went 8.0 innings, surrendering only two runs on five hits while fanning ten. Lead scorers for the Pack; Devonte Brown, J.T. Jarrett, and Vojtech Mensik each had one run apiece, for a combined three runs. Reid 

With Thursday night’s win over the Panthers, the Wolfpack will now remain in Charlotte as they prepare for the Semifinals. North Carolina State will be back in action on Trust Field in Charlotte, North Carolina, Friday at 7 PM as they take on rival North Carolina.