Story Poster
Photo by via SEC Media Portal
NC State Baseball

Takeaways: Wolfpack wins nailbiter to force game three

June 12, 2021
12,253

No matter how bad a loss is, it only counts for one. The key is bouncing back quickly, and not letting a bad loss beat you more than once. That’s a test NC State passed with flying colors in game two of the Fayetteville Super Regional Saturday, bouncing back from Friday’s blowout loss to stave off elimination and force a rubber match with a 6-5 win. 

The Wolfpack got it done against the Razorbacks thanks to a great start from Sam Highfill, gutsy close from Evan Justice and home runs from Jose Torres, Luca Tresh and Vojtech Mensik.

Here’s a few key takeaways from the win: 

Highfill’s stellar start

After Reid Johnston went just three innings in Friday’s game, the Pack desperately needed a strong outing from Highfill Saturday, and the freshman more than delivered in the biggest start of his career. 

Highfill started the game strong with a 1-2-3 first inning. Similar to Johnston, however, he got into trouble in the second, issuing a walk to Bradley Slavens before Charlie Welch gave the Razorbacks a 2-0 lead with a two-run homer. 

At that point, there could have been a sense of “here we go again” for NC State. But Highfill locked in, bounced back and retired the next three batters to end the inning… and the next 13 after that too. 

Highfill absolutely cruised through the middle innings, throwing four straight three-up, three-down innings in the third through sixth and retiring 16 straight batters into the top of the seventh before losing some steam and giving way to Justice. Arkansas batters credited Highfill’s ability to change arm slots into his sidearm delivery for keeping them off balance as well. 

Highfill commanded his fastball and slider throughout the game, throwing 64 of his 96 pitches for strikes while also pitching to contact. 

Overall, Highfill allowed three runs on just two hits (though both of those did leave the yard) while striking out five and walking two in 6.1 innings, turning in a stellar performance in just his second NCAA Tournament game. 

Bombs away in the bottom of the fourth

After manufacturing a run with some small ball to cut its deficit in half in the bottom of the third, NC State let its power bats go to work in the bottom of the fourth, with three home runs. The Pack gave the Razorbacks, who homered four times in Friday’s blowout, a taste of their own medicine. 

After Terrell Tatum led off the inning with a single, Torres left the yard for the second time in two games, with a two-run wall scraper to left giving NC State the lead at 3-2. Tresh then launched a solo shot to left to extend the Wolfpack’s lead to 4-2 on back-to-back jacks. 

After Devonte Brown grounded out to break the streak, Mensik went back to the Pack’s fourth--inning big-fly ways, driving out a solo homer to center to make it 5-2. 

This is a team that has shown all year it can score runs in a variety of ways. On Saturday, it was the power hitting of this lineup that gave the Pack the big inning it so desperately needed. 

Justice slams the door after near disaster in the seventh

An insurance run via more small ball in the bottom of the sixth proved pivotal as the Razorbacks cut NC State’s lead to one in the top of the seventh. After Highfill surrendered a solo shot to Slavens and issues a one-out walk, Avent elected to go to Evan Justice. 

Justice induced a pop-up for the first out, and appeared to have the second on a grounder, but Torres committed a very uncharacteristic error, throwing wide to first when he had an easy flip to second, allowing a run to score. Justice then gave up a single up the middle to make it a 6-5 game. 

The Pack’s closer struck out Christian Franklin to end the threat and keep the Pack in the lead, but what had been a comfortable NC State lead was now headed for a nailbiter. 

After the seventh, Justice was lights out for NC State, and had to be with Kevin Kopps on the other side. He attacked Arkansas’ lineup with his fastball, touching 97 miles per hour, and threw two clean innings in the eighth and ninth as he retired the last seven batters he faced and struck out four to send the Pack to a decisive game three. 

Pack forces game three 

There’s been no quit in this team all season. Not after a 4-9 start to the regular season. Not facing an early 4-0 deficit against Louisiana Tech in the Ruston Regional final last weekend. And not after dropping the opener of this Super Regional in a 21-2 laugher. 

The Wolfpack will have a chance to play for its first trip to the College World Series since 2013 tomorrow, as the victor in the winner-take-all game three will head to Omaha. 


 

Takeaways: Wolfpack wins nailbiter to force game three

12,242 Views | 34 Replies | Last: 3 yr ago by Wolfpack
wilmwolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
This team doesn't quit. It's a testament to their character and their coach.
Just a guy on the sunshine squad.
The Gatekeeper.
Homer Dumbarse.
StateFan2001 will probably respond to this because he doesn't understand how ignore works.
cmast
How long do you want to ignore this user?
wilmwolf80 said:

This team doesn't quit. It's a testament to their character and their coach.
agreed. no matter what happens tomorrow, this is a top 15-20 ball club and i'll take that all day long. especially after the start of the season (and the drubbing yesterday), where 'fans' like me were ready to throw in the towel.

coach said pre-season that he loved this ball club. and for good reason. all pack fans should too.
WilmingtonPackman777
How long do you want to ignore this user?
I was driving most of the day - but winning game 2 says a lot about this team.
Wolfpack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Don't bet against Avent.
Wolfer79
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Elliott Avent said this was probably the best start of Sam Highfill's career.

Against this Arkansas lineup, he pitched 6.1 innings, allowed three runs on two hits, struck out five, walked two and retired 16 straight batters from the second inning into the top of the seventh

ScreamingEagle
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Highfill pitched an amazing game. Against that competition, in that heat, with that many pitches, it's a wonder he didn't run out of gas earlier.
magpie
How long do you want to ignore this user?
I don't follow college ball that much. Does that Kopp for Arkansas just close for them or can he pitch more than 2-3 innings? I'm just wondering if we might have to face him again tomorrow and for how long. I watched Arkansas' final game in the first round and he's brutal.
Wolfer79
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Andrew Sanders on radio today

Highfill last 3 starts
beat Georgia Tech to put NC State in ACCT championship game
beat Louisiana Tech to keep NC State in winner's bracket of regional
today
Wolfer79
How long do you want to ignore this user?
magpie said:

I don't follow college ball that much. Does that Kopp for Arkansas just close for them or can he pitch more than 2-3 innings? I'm just wondering if we might have to face him again tomorrow and for how long. I watched Arkansas' final game in the first round and he's brutal.


he pitched 7 innings in relief on Monday in deciding game of Fayetteville Regional

the only way NC State does not face him is score 10+ runs in first and do not let Arkansas score until late in game
DrummerboyWolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Wolfer79 said:

magpie said:

I don't follow college ball that much. Does that Kopp for Arkansas just close for them or can he pitch more than 2-3 innings? I'm just wondering if we might have to face him again tomorrow and for how long. I watched Arkansas' final game in the first round and he's brutal.


he pitched 7 innings in relief on Monday in deciding game of Fayetteville Regional

the only way NC State does not face him is score 10+ runs in first and do not let Arkansas score until late in game
Shoot he may start the game tomorrow.
Being an N. C. State fan builds great character!
Pack31
How long do you want to ignore this user?
DrummerboyWolf said:

Wolfer79 said:

magpie said:

I don't follow college ball that much. Does that Kopp for Arkansas just close for them or can he pitch more than 2-3 innings? I'm just wondering if we might have to face him again tomorrow and for how long. I watched Arkansas' final game in the first round and he's brutal.


he pitched 7 innings in relief on Monday in deciding game of Fayetteville Regional

the only way NC State does not face him is score 10+ runs in first and do not let Arkansas score until late in game
Shoot he may start the game tomorrow.


I'd be shocked if he doesn't actually
cowboypack02
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Pack31 said:

DrummerboyWolf said:

Wolfer79 said:

magpie said:

I don't follow college ball that much. Does that Kopp for Arkansas just close for them or can he pitch more than 2-3 innings? I'm just wondering if we might have to face him again tomorrow and for how long. I watched Arkansas' final game in the first round and he's brutal.


he pitched 7 innings in relief on Monday in deciding game of Fayetteville Regional

the only way NC State does not face him is score 10+ runs in first and do not let Arkansas score until late in game
Shoot he may start the game tomorrow.


I'd be shocked if he doesn't actually


Yep. Dude has nasty stuff. We'll have to be absolutely lights out against Arkansas hitters to have any kinda chance at all tomorrow. I think it will help a little bit that everyone had a chance to see him at least once today.
wilmwolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Dude is good, but he's not unhittable. Just have to be extremely disciplined and be ready to hit the one hittable pitch you get in the AB.
Just a guy on the sunshine squad.
The Gatekeeper.
Homer Dumbarse.
StateFan2001 will probably respond to this because he doesn't understand how ignore works.
rangerA
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Who will be pitching tomorrow? The only one I'm sure of is Villaman. Who are the others?
Civilized
How long do you want to ignore this user?
wilmwolf80 said:

Dude is good, but he's not unhittable. Just have to be extremely disciplined and be ready to hit the one hittable pitch you get in the AB.

Exactly.

That dude is great but he ain't Jake deGrom.

See the ball, hit the ball. LETSGO
tau06
How long do you want to ignore this user?
magpie said:

I don't follow college ball that much. Does that Kopp for Arkansas just close for them or can he pitch more than 2-3 innings? I'm just wondering if we might have to face him again tomorrow and for how long. I watched Arkansas' final game in the first round and he's brutal.


He threw almost 190 pitches last week. Expect him to throw a complete game tomorrow
tau06
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Wolfer79 said:

Andrew Sanders on radio today

Highfill last 3 starts
beat Georgia Tech to put NC State in ACCT championship game
beat Louisiana Tech to keep NC State in winner's bracket of regional
today


Really hate that our pitching next year is going to be so great with the unproven bats...
Mountainman97
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Wolfpack said:

Don't bet against Avent.
Oh hell yeah you can bet against Avent. Good Lord.
Pack31
How long do you want to ignore this user?
rangeramos said:

Who will be pitching tomorrow? The only one I'm sure of is Villaman. Who are the others?


He or Walledson will likely start. Both will pitch, then hopefully we will be up late and Justice can for a couple innings again. That.would be ideal. I think Walledson will start and have a short leash.
Packsd14me
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Pack31 said:

rangeramos said:

Who will be pitching tomorrow? The only one I'm sure of is Villaman. Who are the others?


He or Walledson will likely start. Both will pitch, then hopefully we will be up late and Justice can for a couple innings again. That.would be ideal. I think Walledson will start and have a short leash.


Matt, Villaman, Ingle, Johnston and Justice are our POSSIBILITIES for pitcher today. The first three get us through 5 plus innings. The last two MAY get two each. I am sure Johnston has a bad taste in mouth and wants to throw. 3 innings was all he threw Friday. I would assume he is available. The bats have to make Kopps get the pitch that acts like a splitter in the strike zone. Lay off the pitches that end up in the dirt. If we are able to do that fairly often and put the ball in play hard, we can win. As the Mircale Mets said in 69, " Ya gotta believe "!
Wolfpack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Mountainman97 said:

Wolfpack said:

Don't bet against Avent.
Oh hell yeah you can bet against Avent. Good Lord.


What?
Cthepack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Wolfpack said:

Mountainman97 said:

Wolfpack said:

Don't bet against Avent.
Oh hell yeah you can bet against Avent. Good Lord.


What?
Do not feed the trolls!
Wolfpack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Cthepack said:

Wolfpack said:

Mountainman97 said:

Wolfpack said:

Don't bet against Avent.
Oh hell yeah you can bet against Avent. Good Lord.


What?
Do not feed the trolls!


True. Why the hell would I? It's game day!
Wolfer79
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Mountainman97
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Cthepack said:

Wolfpack said:

Mountainman97 said:

Wolfpack said:

Don't bet against Avent.
Oh hell yeah you can bet against Avent. Good Lord.


What?
Do not feed the trolls!
Buntin' Elliott Avent, in a must win game to go to Omaha, against the best pitcher in college baseball in Fayettevillehow much you wanna wager? You fellas kinda live in your own little world, at least with this guy.

I mean, they could win. But if I was playing the turn with you, I'd feel pretty good.
wilmwolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Cthepack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Mountainman97 said:

Cthepack said:

Wolfpack said:

Mountainman97 said:

Wolfpack said:

Don't bet against Avent.
Oh hell yeah you can bet against Avent. Good Lord.


What?
Do not feed the trolls!
Buntin' Elliott Avent, in a must win game to go to Omaha, against the best pitcher in college baseball in Fayettevillehow much you wanna wager? You fellas kinda live in your own little world, at least with this guy.

I mean, they could win. But if I was playing the turn with you, I'd feel pretty good.
I live in Jimmy Vs world! And will continue to do so. If we are going to face the best pitcher at home in his home stadium what odds do you give me? You want to go with the Vegas odds?
Wolfpack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Mountainman97 said:

Cthepack said:

Wolfpack said:

Mountainman97 said:

Wolfpack said:

Don't bet against Avent.
Oh hell yeah you can bet against Avent. Good Lord.


What?
Do not feed the trolls!
Buntin' Elliott Avent, in a must win game to go to Omaha, against the best pitcher in college baseball in Fayettevillehow much you wanna wager? You fellas kinda live in your own little world, at least with this guy.

I mean, they could win. But if I was playing the turn with you, I'd feel pretty good.


Yikes dude, I would legitimately recommend therapy. Sports is about fun.
CLTWolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
wilmwolf80 said:




THAT's A HUGE CLOWN
*Wolfpack Baseball - 2021 *NCAA COLLEGE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!
*Congrats to the 10 win 2021 Wolfpack football team!
Andrew Schnittker
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Staff
Packsd14me said:

Pack31 said:

rangeramos said:

Who will be pitching tomorrow? The only one I'm sure of is Villaman. Who are the others?


He or Walledson will likely start. Both will pitch, then hopefully we will be up late and Justice can for a couple innings again. That.would be ideal. I think Walledson will start and have a short leash.


Matt, Villaman, Ingle, Johnston and Justice are our POSSIBILITIES for pitcher today. The first three get us through 5 plus innings. The last two MAY get two each. I am sure Johnston has a bad taste in mouth and wants to throw. 3 innings was all he threw Friday. I would assume he is available. The bats have to make Kopps get the pitch that acts like a splitter in the strike zone. Lay off the pitches that end up in the dirt. If we are able to do that fairly often and put the ball in play hard, we can win. As the Mircale Mets said in 69, " Ya gotta believe "!


I did ask Elliott after Friday's game if he thought Johnston would be able to go again this weekend, and he said that something seemed off with him Friday and so while he wasn't sure he doubted it.
wilmwolf
How long do you want to ignore this user?
We would see Feeney before Ingle IMO, where it to get to that point. I really wouldn't expect to see Johnston.
Wolfpack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
They have Kopps, but I think we win the pitching battle outside of that. Hopefully that equalizes each other out and our bats light it up.
wolfpack1437
How long do you want to ignore this user?
wilmwolf80 said:

We would see Feeney before Ingle IMO, where it to get to that point. I really wouldn't expect to see Johnston.
I think there's a possibility we see Silver for an out or 2
Wolfpack
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Mountainman97 said:

Wolfpack said:

Don't bet against Avent.
Oh hell yeah you can bet against Avent. Good Lord.

Don't bet against Avent.
Refresh
Page 1 of 1
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.