Story Poster
Photo by Steve Murphy/Inside Pack Sports
NC State Baseball

NCAA TOURNAMENT: Wolfpack Headed to Columbia

May 29, 2023
110,402

NC State (35-19, 13-16 ACC) has been selected to the 2023 NCAA College World Series Tournament and will play in the Columbia Regional as the No. 3 seed.

The Wolfpack will be paired against No. 2-seed Campbell (44-13, 22-5 Big South) as tournament play begins Friday at 1 p.m. from Founders Park. Regional host South Carolina (39-19, 16-13 SEC) will open against four-seed Central Connecticut State (36-12, 25-5 NEC). The Columbia Regional is matched against the Gainesville Regional which contains Florida, Connecticut, Texas Tech, and Florida A&M.

One of the more explosive teams in the Southeastern Conference, South Carolina currently sits within the top 10 teams in the country in home runs hit with 110, but the Gamecocks dropped nine of its last 11 regular-season games after starting the season 30-4 overall. South Carolina defeated Georgia in the SEC Tournament before suffering back-to-back losses to LSU and Texas A&M. NC State holds a 35-22 all-time record over South Carolina, but the Gamecocks have the latest victory in Charlotte on April 2, 2019, dowing the Wolfpack, 10-8.

Entering postseason play with many outlets projected they would host, the Camels secured their second straight Big South Championship with back-to-back wins over USC Upstate who took two out of three from Campbell in the final weekend of the regular season. The Wolfpack last faced the Camels on March 2, 2022 when Campbell took the win in Buies Creek, 7-4.

Central Connecticut State heads into the tournament as the automatic qualifier from the Northeastern Conference after winning five games in four days with the final two victories coming against Wagner by a combined margin of 20 runs. Should the teams meet, NC State will face the Blue Devils for the first time in school history.

Stay tuned to Inside Pack Sports for more information as the Wolfpack’s postseason continues.

NCAA TOURNAMENT: Wolfpack Headed to Columbia (GAME THREAD)

110,396 Views | 871 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by Packsd14me
DrummerboyWolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
He threw 4 straight balls and we did not swing. Maybe, just maybe they have figured out this guy is not that good.
Being an N. C. State fan builds great character!
packman34
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Let's just hope Elliot retires this year. I am done traveling 3-4hrs 20x a season and spending good money to watch this **** show.
DrummerboyWolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Another room service double play. Ball was hit hard, but right at the shortstop.
Being an N. C. State fan builds great character!
Nairo
How long do you want to ignore this user?
JFC the double plays
flylike44
How long do you want to ignore this user?
LOL
Rob McLamb
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Staff
M_A said:

Alex Gee said:

M_A said:

I think you have to be careful how you handle the transition, even if you think the transition is necessary. Baseball is a non-rev sport and two of our biggest potential donors played for Avent together. Ending this sourly after almost 30 years doesnt make sense. Give him a talk and tell him next year is probably going to be the last one so he can get his 1000 wins and the school can figure out the succession plan

If we're being honest this season is more the norm than 2 years ago. That CWS run was a magical thing where everything fell into place - we upset this powerhouse team that was a powerhouse because a senior reliever had an amazing year out of nowhere, and we got to him. It wasn't like the one with Trea and Carlos where that team 100% belonged there. It was like one of those UConn basketball runs...which, well I guess UConn has found a way to make those sustainable. But we had one of those 40 years ago in basketball too and we havent been back since


I have no clue what you're trying to say about that 2021 team.

Torres - 3rd round pick. AA ball
Tresh- 17th round. AA
Murr - 6th round. High A
McDonough - 3rd round. AA
Butler - 14th round. High A
Justice - 5th round. AA
Tatum - 16th round. High A
Johnston - 19th round. High A
Villaman - 9th round. Singles A
DeVo is in High A
Mensik is in A and played in the WBC

CWS is obviously not the expectation every year, that would be impossible. But that 2021 team certainly deserved it and belonged. It wasn't out of nowhere.

Yes when you make the CWS and (probably) should have won it, MLB teams are going to take chances on your guys. Evan Justice got drafted where he did almost solely on the postseason run

Campbell had a guy last year who is already in MLB
Go back on Youtube and look at the NC State 2021 games in Charlotte, Ruston, Fayetteville, and Omaha. The announcers say that NC State has massive talent that was draftable, including the most draftable players at the ACC Tournament in Charlotte. MLB teams were not taking chances, they were picking players they thought might be able to help them. NC State was loaded.
Twitter: @RobMcLamb
Borowolf10
How long do you want to ignore this user?
James Henderson said:

2-0 weak grounder the other way. Dude can't throw strikes. Didn't throw a single one to Nixon and was bailed out.

Let's be aggressive though down 5 runs.


You're not allowed to say this or certain people freak out.
kmb717
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Alex Gee said:

Rob McLamb said:

Alex Gee said:

M_A said:

I think you have to be careful how you handle the transition, even if you think the transition is necessary. Baseball is a non-rev sport and two of our biggest potential donors played for Avent together. Ending this sourly after almost 30 years doesnt make sense. Give him a talk and tell him next year is probably going to be the last one so he can get his 1000 wins and the school can figure out the succession plan

If we're being honest this season is more the norm than 2 years ago. That CWS run was a magical thing where everything fell into place - we upset this powerhouse team that was a powerhouse because a senior reliever had an amazing year out of nowhere, and we got to him. It wasn't like the one with Trea and Carlos where that team 100% belonged there. It was like one of those UConn basketball runs...which, well I guess UConn has found a way to make those sustainable. But we had one of those 40 years ago in basketball too and we havent been back since


I have no clue what you're trying to say about that 2021 team.

Torres - 3rd round pick. AA ball
Tresh- 17th round. AA
Murr - 6th round. High A
McDonough - 3rd round. AA
Butler - 14th round. High A
Justice - 5th round. AA
Tatum - 16th round. High A
Johnston - 19th round. High A
Villaman - 9th round. Singles A
DeVo is in High A
Mensik is in A and played in the WBC

CWS is obviously not the expectation every year, that would be impossible. But that 2021 team certainly deserved it and belonged. It wasn't out of nowhere.

2013 had better individual talents in Rodon and Turner, but 2021 was a batting lineup and pitching corps that scratched all the itches. They were not the deepest team, but the ones that got on the field made it a complete team for me.


Covid-19 robbed NC State baseball of more than any other program in the country in my opinion. The run of talent we had from 2020-2021 could have gone to Omaha back to back and very feasibly walked away with a national championship.


It really is depressing to think about. On paper 2020 team was better than 2021. Nick Swiney and Patrick Bailey. Sigh.
James Henderson
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Staff
Borowolf10 said:

James Henderson said:

2-0 weak grounder the other way. Dude can't throw strikes. Didn't throw a single one to Nixon and was bailed out.

Let's be aggressive though down 5 runs.


You're not allowed to say this or certain people freak out.
Well I think the problem for some folks is following that up by saying someone should be fired.

I can be critical of calls/how a game is going but not think I need to fire everybody on the staff.
DJncsu13
How long do you want to ignore this user?
James Henderson said:

DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

This roster is due some turnover and fresh blood.


I'm going to get some heat for this, and it's whatever.

Avent has done an incredible job with what he's had to work with facilities wise. He has given his entire life to making NC State a routine Top 25 program and he should have a National Title.

That being said, it feels like this program is leveling out and could use some fresh perspective. The college game has changed, and Avent has adapted where he can, but if feels like we could be left behind quickly. State doesn't seem to play with any edge or passion. I don't know if that's Avent or the players, but something needs to change.

I know there's not a magic pill or a sure fire hire that would make it's a CWS team every year. But, things feel stagnant right now. Feels like all the momentum that was there in 2021 is gone. And maybe that's just baseball being baseball.

Edit to add: This take is not due to todays game going sideways to this point.

I'm not of that opinion personally with Avent. He's fine as the head man and has earned the right to move on when he's ready because I trust he'll make the right decision.

State's lack of arm "talent" IMO is an issue and I often don't like the overall approach for several guys at the plate.

But it is what it is. State's right there and will be able to address problems in the portal.





And I get that… I just feel State needs a fresh perspective at all aspects of the program. Portal, pitching, hitting approach, defense, speed.

And I fully understand Avent should say "when". I just think the "when" should be sooner than a lot of other people.
"For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack"
Follow me on twitter: @d_johnson13/@PackUniforms
metcalfmafia
How long do you want to ignore this user?
We can talk about the past and the past is great. But the way this team has fielded the baseball the last two year has been completely unacceptable.

Hopefully new talent fixes it, but I shouldn't expect players on scholarship to not be able to make the most basic fundamental plays.
metcalfmafia
How long do you want to ignore this user?
DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

This roster is due some turnover and fresh blood.


I'm going to get some heat for this, and it's whatever.

Avent has done an incredible job with what he's had to work with facilities wise. He has given his entire life to making NC State a routine Top 25 program and he should have a National Title.

That being said, it feels like this program is leveling out and could use some fresh perspective. The college game has changed, and Avent has adapted where he can, but if feels like we could be left behind quickly. State doesn't seem to play with any edge or passion. I don't know if that's Avent or the players, but something needs to change.

I know there's not a magic pill or a sure fire hire that would make it's a CWS team every year. But, things feel stagnant right now. Feels like all the momentum that was there in 2021 is gone. And maybe that's just baseball being baseball.

Edit to add: This take is not due to todays game going sideways to this point.

I'm not of that opinion personally with Avent. He's fine as the head man and has earned the right to move on when he's ready because I trust he'll make the right decision.

State's lack of arm "talent" IMO is an issue and I often don't like the overall approach for several guys at the plate.

But it is what it is. State's right there and will be able to address problems in the portal.





And I get that… I just feel State needs a fresh perspective at all aspects of the program. Portal, pitching, hitting approach, defense, speed.

And I fully understand Avent should say "when". I just think the "when" should be sooner than a lot of other people.
It's probably gonna be Hart when the time comes so not sure how fresh the perspective will be.
DrummerboyWolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Baker Nelson has acquitted himself well. Looks like they are going to take him out, but he only gave up one run in almost 4 innings.
Being an N. C. State fan builds great character!
James Henderson
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Staff
metcalfmafia said:

DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

This roster is due some turnover and fresh blood.


I'm going to get some heat for this, and it's whatever.

Avent has done an incredible job with what he's had to work with facilities wise. He has given his entire life to making NC State a routine Top 25 program and he should have a National Title.

That being said, it feels like this program is leveling out and could use some fresh perspective. The college game has changed, and Avent has adapted where he can, but if feels like we could be left behind quickly. State doesn't seem to play with any edge or passion. I don't know if that's Avent or the players, but something needs to change.

I know there's not a magic pill or a sure fire hire that would make it's a CWS team every year. But, things feel stagnant right now. Feels like all the momentum that was there in 2021 is gone. And maybe that's just baseball being baseball.

Edit to add: This take is not due to todays game going sideways to this point.

I'm not of that opinion personally with Avent. He's fine as the head man and has earned the right to move on when he's ready because I trust he'll make the right decision.

State's lack of arm "talent" IMO is an issue and I often don't like the overall approach for several guys at the plate.

But it is what it is. State's right there and will be able to address problems in the portal.





And I get that… I just feel State needs a fresh perspective at all aspects of the program. Portal, pitching, hitting approach, defense, speed.

And I fully understand Avent should say "when". I just think the "when" should be sooner than a lot of other people.
It's probably gonna be Hart when the time comes so not sure how fresh the perspective will be.
As it should be IMO; which is also why I'm not sure how much the timing matters.

Sucks for State that Highfill just couldn't regain form.
CLTWolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Borowolf10 said:

James Henderson said:

2-0 weak grounder the other way. Dude can't throw strikes. Didn't throw a single one to Nixon and was bailed out.

Let's be aggressive though down 5 runs.


You're not allowed to say this or certain people freak out.

You're not smart enough to understand the difference between today and yesterday. Lol

*Wolfpack Baseball - 2021 *NCAA COLLEGE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!
*Congrats to the 10 win 2021 Wolfpack football team!
CLTWolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

This roster is due some turnover and fresh blood.


I'm going to get some heat for this, and it's whatever.

Avent has done an incredible job with what he's had to work with facilities wise. He has given his entire life to making NC State a routine Top 25 program and he should have a National Title.

That being said, it feels like this program is leveling out and could use some fresh perspective. The college game has changed, and Avent has adapted where he can, but if feels like we could be left behind quickly. State doesn't seem to play with any edge or passion. I don't know if that's Avent or the players, but something needs to change.

I know there's not a magic pill or a sure fire hire that would make it's a CWS team every year. But, things feel stagnant right now. Feels like all the momentum that was there in 2021 is gone. And maybe that's just baseball being baseball.

Edit to add: This take is not due to todays game going sideways to this point.

I'm not of that opinion personally with Avent. He's fine as the head man and has earned the right to move on when he's ready because I trust he'll make the right decision.

State's lack of arm "talent" IMO is an issue and I often don't like the overall approach for several guys at the plate.

But it is what it is. State's right there and will be able to address problems in the portal.





And I get that… I just feel State needs a fresh perspective at all aspects of the program. Portal, pitching, hitting approach, defense, speed.

And I fully understand Avent should say "when". I just think the "when" should be sooner than a lot of other people.


He's 67 and hates the portal. Definitely sooner than later.
*Wolfpack Baseball - 2021 *NCAA COLLEGE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!
*Congrats to the 10 win 2021 Wolfpack football team!
Wolfpack91
How long do you want to ignore this user?
0-8 with 4 innings to go.

Guess anything is possible.

Going to be another long offseason in one more sport.

Positive note: Do not have to worry about any NC State conflicts for next weekend.
ClePack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
metcalfmafia said:

We can talk about the past and the past is great. But the way this team has fielded the baseball the last two year has been completely unacceptable.

Hopefully new talent fixes it, but I shouldn't expect players on scholarship to not be able to make the most basic fundamental plays.


Yep. We need a full blown overhaul
metcalfmafia
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Someone cheer me up.
MAWolfpack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
metcalfmafia said:

Someone cheer me up.


Unc is down 5-2 in 8th
ClePack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
MAWolfpack said:

metcalfmafia said:

Someone cheer me up.


Unc is down 5-2 in 8th


Oh ****
Forgot they were playing lol
metcalfmafia
How long do you want to ignore this user?
MAWolfpack said:

metcalfmafia said:

Someone cheer me up.


Unc is down 5-2 in 8th
It helps….slightly.
Alex Gee
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Staff
Charlotte just took the lead late on Clemson.
DrummerboyWolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
metcalfmafia said:

Someone cheer me up.
The team has checked out, if you do the same you will probably cheer up.
Being an N. C. State fan builds great character!
Glasswolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
ClePack said:

metcalfmafia said:

We can talk about the past and the past is great. But the way this team has fielded the baseball the last two year has been completely unacceptable.

Hopefully new talent fixes it, but I shouldn't expect players on scholarship to not be able to make the most basic fundamental plays.


Yep. We need a full blown overhaul
You are most likely going to see one. From a player standpoint anyway.
Proud member of the "Enemy of the State"

ClePack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Glasswolf said:

ClePack said:

metcalfmafia said:

We can talk about the past and the past is great. But the way this team has fielded the baseball the last two year has been completely unacceptable.

Hopefully new talent fixes it, but I shouldn't expect players on scholarship to not be able to make the most basic fundamental plays.


Yep. We need a full blown overhaul
You are most likely going to see one. From a player standpoint anyway.


Yeah, good. It's been 2 years of this regime, and they keep coming up short. I think the only way out is a roster overhaul.
DanielWilsonIPS
How long do you want to ignore this user?
CLTWolf said:

DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

This roster is due some turnover and fresh blood.


I'm going to get some heat for this, and it's whatever.

Avent has done an incredible job with what he's had to work with facilities wise. He has given his entire life to making NC State a routine Top 25 program and he should have a National Title.

That being said, it feels like this program is leveling out and could use some fresh perspective. The college game has changed, and Avent has adapted where he can, but if feels like we could be left behind quickly. State doesn't seem to play with any edge or passion. I don't know if that's Avent or the players, but something needs to change.

I know there's not a magic pill or a sure fire hire that would make it's a CWS team every year. But, things feel stagnant right now. Feels like all the momentum that was there in 2021 is gone. And maybe that's just baseball being baseball.

Edit to add: This take is not due to todays game going sideways to this point.

I'm not of that opinion personally with Avent. He's fine as the head man and has earned the right to move on when he's ready because I trust he'll make the right decision.

State's lack of arm "talent" IMO is an issue and I often don't like the overall approach for several guys at the plate.

But it is what it is. State's right there and will be able to address problems in the portal.





And I get that… I just feel State needs a fresh perspective at all aspects of the program. Portal, pitching, hitting approach, defense, speed.

And I fully understand Avent should say "when". I just think the "when" should be sooner than a lot of other people.


He's 67 and hates the portal. Definitely sooner than later.
He has transfers on his roster from Charlotte, Davidson, Old Dominion, Oregon, and Texas A&M. You sure about that?
Nairo
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Soles has been very good today.
CLTWolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
DanielWilsonIPS said:

CLTWolf said:

DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

DJncsu13 said:

James Henderson said:

This roster is due some turnover and fresh blood.


I'm going to get some heat for this, and it's whatever.

Avent has done an incredible job with what he's had to work with facilities wise. He has given his entire life to making NC State a routine Top 25 program and he should have a National Title.

That being said, it feels like this program is leveling out and could use some fresh perspective. The college game has changed, and Avent has adapted where he can, but if feels like we could be left behind quickly. State doesn't seem to play with any edge or passion. I don't know if that's Avent or the players, but something needs to change.

I know there's not a magic pill or a sure fire hire that would make it's a CWS team every year. But, things feel stagnant right now. Feels like all the momentum that was there in 2021 is gone. And maybe that's just baseball being baseball.

Edit to add: This take is not due to todays game going sideways to this point.

I'm not of that opinion personally with Avent. He's fine as the head man and has earned the right to move on when he's ready because I trust he'll make the right decision.

State's lack of arm "talent" IMO is an issue and I often don't like the overall approach for several guys at the plate.

But it is what it is. State's right there and will be able to address problems in the portal.





And I get that… I just feel State needs a fresh perspective at all aspects of the program. Portal, pitching, hitting approach, defense, speed.

And I fully understand Avent should say "when". I just think the "when" should be sooner than a lot of other people.


He's 67 and hates the portal. Definitely sooner than later.
He has transfers on his roster from Charlotte, Davidson, Old Dominion, Oregon, and Texas A&M. You sure about that?
Go back and listen to his comments about the NCAA letting players come and go. Didn't sound like a guy that really loves it.

But no, I'm not sure about it, I haven't asked him personally. haha I just listened to his words. Let's also remember who does most of the recruiting on this staff....

But I am sure that he's 67.

5 minute mark...calls it "absurd".
https://insidepacksports.com/s/11533/avent-highfill-discuss-wolfpacks-ncaa-tournament-berth/3
*Wolfpack Baseball - 2021 *NCAA COLLEGE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!
*Congrats to the 10 win 2021 Wolfpack football team!
flylike44
How long do you want to ignore this user?
That dude tried to kill his kid for a baseball
flylike44
How long do you want to ignore this user?
This dude has thrown 107 pitches and we can't get to him.
Rob McLamb
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Staff
flylike44 said:

That dude tried to kill his kid for a baseball
Yes, I saw that from the press box. Foul balls and tee-shirt tosses often bring out the worst in many people.
Twitter: @RobMcLamb
flylike44
How long do you want to ignore this user?
That's a ***** move up 8-1.
ChemE94
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Check swing 2 rbi single. Unbelievable.
Wolfer79
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Out of the Top 16 national seeds, three are done (Clemson, Auburn, Oklahoma State). Six more will have to come out of the loser's bracket to advance.

 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.