NC State Holds Strong To Reach ACC Semifinals

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Behind a stellar eight-inning performance by Reid Johnston and J.T. Jarrett’s first career triple, No. 15 NC State baseball (29-15) clinched its spot in the 2021 Atlantic Coast Conference Baseball Championship semifinals on Thursday night with a 3-2 win over Pittsburgh (23-20) at Truist Field in Charlotte, N.C.

This is the Wolfpack’s second time in as many years that the tournament has been held that it has advanced to the semifinals. It is additionally its fourth win of the 2021 season over Pitt and 16th of the year away from Raleigh.

The Panthers struck in the first inning when Sky Duff led off with a leadoff single, and then after stealing second on two outs, Ron Washington Jr. drove him in with a double down the left-field line.

In the second, Jarrett knocked in what proved to be the game-winning run with his two-run triple down the left-field line, as he scored Devonte Brown and Vojtech Mensik after the pair drew walks on two outs. Jarrett then crossed home plate to make it 3-1.

Pitt cut its deficit to one in the third when Duff scored on a bases-loaded fielder’s choice.

The contest was a pitcher’s duel between Johnston and Pittsburgh starter Matt Gilbertson, as the only scoring occurred in the first three innings. From the fifth to the bottom of the ninth, neither team had a batter reach base.

Johnston turned in his second consecutive double-digit strikeout performance, as he scattered five hits and walked just two batters in his eight innings of work.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Panthers looked to rally when David Yanni drew a leadoff walk but was out at second on a one-out fielder’s choice. Closer Evan Justice then tallied his second strikeout of the inning to secure the win and pick up his eighth save of the year.

NC State will look to keep their momentum going as they will face rivals, North Carolina, on Friday at 7pm.