Playing what was technically considered a non-conference game Tuesday evening at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the No. 4 NC State Wolfpack earned an 8-3 victory over the 15th-ranked UNC baseball team.

The Wolfpack (29-7) kicked off the scoring with a two-run homer from Patrick Bailey in the top of the second inning, and closed the scoring with a three-run blast from Evan Edwards in the top of the ninth.

UNC (24-13) never led in the game, as the NC State pitching staff held the Tar Heels to just seven hits in the game.

Clemente Inclan recorded an RBI groundout in the home half of the second inning, while Ashton McGee added two RBIs with one swing of the bat in the home half of the eighth.

After McGee’s hit cut the Tar Heel deficit to 5-3, the Wolfpack responded with Edwards’ three-run homer in the very next frame.

On the positive side, however, third baseman Kyle Datres extended his hitting streak to 17 games–which brought his season average to .366.

Still, though, it was NC State that drew first blood in the first of four games between the two rivals this season.

Up Next:

UNC will host Georgia Tech for three games at Boshamer Stadium this weekend, beginning on Friday–with first pitch set for 6 p.m.

 

 

FINAL BOX SCORE

 

Photo via Jeffrey A. Camarati (UNC Athletics)