NC State Wolfpack Falls to Arkansas 21-2

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – The NC State Wolfpack (33-18) dropped game one of their Super Regional three-game series against No. 1 Arkansas (50-11) by a final score of 21-2 on Friday night at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas drove in at least three runs in five different innings, giving starter Patrick Wicklander plenty of support to lead the Razorbacks to a victory.

Wicklander (7-1) limited a vicious Pack lineup throughout the night, giving up only one run off six hits in 7 innings en route to handing the Wolfpack their first loss in regional play.

Freshman shortstop Jose Torres gave the Wolfpack its first run with a solo home run over the fence in left in the second.

Freshman Eddie Eisert pinch-hit in the ninth inning, finding himself on first with a walk. Junior first baseman Austin Murr then drove in the second run for the Wolfpack as he hit a triple to left field, scoring Eisert.

Arkansas’ offense was unstoppable, collecting a total of 17 hits against NC State’s seven. The Razorbacks bats were just too much for Wolfpack starting pitcher Reid Johnston. Johnston (8-3) allowed seven runs on six hits, with two home runs, striking out five, walking one, in three frames. Freshman Garrett Payne entered in the fourth out of the bullpen, giving up three runs on three hits, with one home run, walking one, and sitting down three in 2.1 innings pitched.

The Wolfpack bullpen used up seven pitchers, including right-handers Coby Ingle, Andrew Tillery, Cooper King, and left-handers John Miralia and Tristan Sipple.

The Road to Omaha continues for No. 12 NC State baseball this weekend as they look to bounce back in game two at 2 p.m at Baum-Walker Stadium.