Home Runs LIft Wolfpack to Win in Game 2 Against Boston College

Wednesday, February 17

Raleigh, N.C.

1:00 PM

NC State

0-1, 0

Boston College

2-2, 0

Boston College

NC State

Home Runs LIft Wolfpack to Win in Game 2 Against Boston College

2/17/2021 8:56:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

RALEIGH, N.C. – A pair of home runs lifted the NC State Softball team to a come from behind victory against Boston College in the second game of the team's opening day double header. NC State (1-1, 1-1 ACC) dropped the first matchup to Boston College (2-4, 1-1 ACC) in a tightly contested 1-0 matchup, before taking the strong 6-3 win.

"We didn't do our style of hitting in the box in the first game. We were just out of character," said head coach Jennifer Patrick-Swift. "To open the very first game in conference play, I don't think that's anything any coach would script. Generally you have three to four weeks to get some things ironed out. I think that just threw us a different curve ball this year. Anytime you are playing ACC play, everyone's bringing their A-game and every pitch is important."

Sam Russ led the Wolfpack, going 3-for-6 at the plate which included a two run home run in the sixth inning. Russ also drew a walk, hit by pitch and was a perfect 3-for-3 on stolen bases. The junior now has 74 career stolen bases, 12 shy of tying the school record.

Abby Trahan and Sydney Nester split time in the circle, both starting one game piece. Trahan (1-1) had an impressive Wolfpack debut, allowing one earned run with seven strikeouts and two walks in 8.0 innings pitched. Nester pitched 6.0 innings in both games combined, allowing three runs on five hits with three strikeouts.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The lone blip in game one for the Wolfpack came in the second inning where Boston College catcher, Gianna Boccagno hit a solo homerun. NC State had several opportunities to tie the game, including a bases loaded situation in the bottom of the sixth, but was unable to do so.

Boston College jumped out quick again in the second game of the day, picking up three runs in the first three innings. However, the Wolfpack bats quickly got hot, tying the game in the fifth inning. Sam Gress drew a hit by pitch before Forbes reached on a fielders' choice. An error by Boston College allowed all runners to remain safe, and Angie Rizzi made them pay with a three-run home run. Rizzi's homerun was the first of the season for the Wolfpack and the 11^th of her career.

NC State's winning run came in the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly from Sam Gress. Russ added some extra padding with a two-run home run.

OF NOTE

Freshman Kaylee Lambrecht made her Wolfpack debut with a start at second base in game one.
Freshman Jayci Chamberlain also made her career debut as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the sixth in game one where she picked up a single.
Wednesday marked the first game for NC State softball in 344 days.

UP NEXT
The Wolfpack's previously scheduled game for Thursday, Feb. 18 against Louisville will not be played as scheduled due to incelment weather. The Wolfpack is currently exploring all options to reschedule the game.