After suffering a weekend sweep at the Jax Baseball Classic, NC State baseball showed it has plenty of work to do. With arguably one of the most disappointing starts in college baseball this season, the Wolfpack simply doesn’t have a clear identity or strength to lean on. Here are the biggest takeaways from NC State’s performance in the Jax Baseball Classic.
Ice cold at the plate
Among NC State’s struggles this season, the inability to score runs is the most damaging. While hitters typically improve as the season progresses and the weather warms up, the Pack lagged behind its opponents at the plate. At the Jax Baseball Classic, the Pack scored six runs across three games — by far the worst in the field. For comparison, the next lowest-scoring team was Coastal Carolina, which scored 22 runs.
Across the Wolfpack’s three games in Jacksonville, the team posted an abysmal .138 batting average. No player recorded more than two hits across the weekend and only senior shortstop Justin DeCriscio hit a homerun. Meanwhile, the Pack struggled with strikeouts, racking up 24 Ks throughout the weekend. With seemingly no real impact hitters in its lineup, NC State is in major trouble if it doesn’t turn things around quickly at the plate.
Fritton struggles in primetime
Junior left-handed pitcher Dominic Fritton earned the start on the mound in the Wolfpack’s game against Ohio State. While poor fielding certainly didn’t help the lefty, Fritton struggled against the Buckeyes in the Pack’s 8-3 Friday night loss. Walking six batters in just 4.2 innings, Fritton couldn’t find the strike zone, giving away free bases.
With star pitchers Sam Highfill and Logan Whitaker departing after last season, the Wolfpack must find a Friday night starter. In his third year with the program, Fritton has the opportunity to grow into the role this season but has to improve. With sophomore righty Heath Andrews performing and sophomore left-handed pitcher Ryan Marohn being more than serviceable and graduate righty Matt Willadsen working back into form, the Wolfpack has options if Fritton cannot step up to the challenge of being a Friday night starter.
Inconsistent bullpen
Entering the season, many projected the Pack’s bullpen to be its biggest strength. However, the group had an up-and-down performance in Jacksonville. Sophomore righty Jaxon Lucas appeared to have taken another step in a solid outing against a dangerous Buckeyes lineup. The reliever allowed just one hit while striking out three batters. Meanwhile, senior right-handed pitcher Carson Kelly — in limited action against Coastal Carolina — impressed by working out of a jam without allowing any damage.
Unfortunately for NC State, the bullpen took its lumps at times. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Jacob Dudan still hasn’t reached his freshman form, struggling against the Chanticleers. Facing five batters, Dudan recorded two walks, a wild pitch and gave up a double. Dudan certainly has the talent to be an elite reliever, but has failed to provide early in the season. Sophomore lefty Cooper Consiglio stepped in and gave up three walks and a home run. For NC State to bounce back, it needs its top relievers to perform much better.
Fielding struggles
The story of the Wolfpack’s game against Ohio State was fielding struggles. Officially, NC State made three errors — it struggled to make infield throws and was unable to secure a fly ball in the outfield. The Wolfpack bounced back well against Alabama in an error-free performance after making multiple changes to its starters. However, another critical error came against Coastal Carolina on an infield ground ball by DeCriscio, giving the Chanticleers momentum. While the fielding improved over the weekend, there’s plenty of work to do still.
Iron sharpening iron
While early season losses are never fun, there’s a benefit to playing tough competition early. Unlike teams that load up on cupcakes early, the Wolfpack knows from the jump what it needs to work on before conference play. NC State will be better off for playing in the Jax Baseball Classic. Now the challenge is for the Wolfpack to improve enough to make some noise in the postseason.
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