NC State captures needed series win over Miami

RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 15: Cooper Consiglio #28 of the NC State Wolfpack warms up during the college baseball game between the Boston College Eagles and the NC State Wolfpack on March 15, 2026 at Doak Field at Dail Park in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Nicholas Faulkner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images In a must-win series with NCAA Regional at-large hopes in jeopardy, NC State came through with a huge home series win over Miami, capturing the final two games over the Hurricanes. Entering Friday’s action with an RPI ranking in the low-50’s, the Wolfpack moved up 15 spots in the rankings and entered more firm territory.

A 3-3 finish in ACC play should secure a Regional at-large bid for State. The bookend games of the weekend series were similar in fashion, featuring multiple multi-run innings from both teams. In the opener, the Wolfpack overcame an early 6-0 hole to take a three-run lead following an 8-run 4th inning and a follow-up run in the 5th.

NC State was unable to hold the lead, surrendering a 5-run 7th inning to Miami that featured a go-ahead grand slam from Max Galvin, who tortured Pack pitchers all weekend with a 7-for-12 series featuring 2 2B, HR, 4 R, and 6 RBI while striking out just once. State pounded out 10 hits and worked 6 walks and 4 HBP in the opener, with Christian Serrano (3-for-5, 2B, 2 R) and Chris McHugh (2-for-3, 2B, R, 2 RBI, BB, HBP) having multiple hits in the game. The 8-run 4th inning featured 5 of those hits, 3 of the walks, and 2 of the HBP.

The rest of the game was slim pickings for the Pack. Eight State hitters reached base safely multiple times in the game, with Rett Johnson (1-for-4, R, RBI, HBP), Luke Nixon (1-for-4, R, RBI, BB), Ty Head (0-for-3, R, RBI, BB, HBP), Sherman Johnson (1-for-4, 2 RBI, HBP), Dalton Bargo (0-for-3, R, 2 BB), and Brayden Fraasman (1-for-4, R, RBI, BB) joining Serrano and McHugh. Heath Andrews (4.