NC State Wolfpack Stuns Arkansas 3-2

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK – The NC State Wolfpack (35-18) took down Arkansas (50-13) with back-to-back wins for a final score of 3-2 to advance to Omaha.
Kevin Kopps, SEC Pitcher of the Year, started for Arkansas, lasting eight innings. However, the Wolfpack found its way to three runs, causing Arkansas to make a change on the mound and handing Kopps his first loss (12-1).

Arkansas was able to score one run in the second to lead 1-0.
The Wolfpack came out swinging in the third inning. Junior first baseman Austin Murr found himself on first advancing on a walk. Junior left fielder Jonny Butler then crushed a two-run bomb over the center-field fence to put NC State up 2-1. The Razorbacks found another run in the seventh with a home run from Freshman Cayden Wallace, tying the ballgame at 2-2.

Freshman shortstop Jose Torres stepped up in the ninth inning, launching a solo home run to left field, as NC State held off Arkansas, 3-2. Freshman Matt Willadsen got the start on the bump for the Wolfpack. The rookie allowed one run on two hits, striking out four, and walking four in 4 innings pitched. Freshman left-hander Chris Villaman entered the fifth in relief, allowing one run, two hits, and retiring three in three innings of work. Junior left-hander Evan Justice closed out the game, shutting down the Razorback offense with no hits, no runs scored, and two strikeouts to earn the win.

This marks the Razorbacks’ first weekend series loss all year.
With the win, the Pack advances to the College World Series for just the third time and the first time since 2013. NC State will take on Stanford in Omaha.