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Who’s the Pack playing?
Opponent: Tennessee Tech
Mascot: Golden Eagles | School Location: Somewhereville, TN | Conference: Ohio Valley
2019 Record: 17-20 (5-13, T-10th) | 2018 RPI Rank: 260
2018 Record: 53-12 (27-3, 1st) | 2018 RPI Rank: 16
2017 Record: 41-21 (23-7*, 1st) | 2017 RPI Rank: 88
*2017 Ohio Valley Tournament Champions
When? Where? How do I watch?
Location: Doak Field at Dail Park (Raleigh, NC)
Game Time(s): Tuesday, April 23 @ 6:00pm
Radio: WKNC 88.1 in Raleigh, GoPack All-Access
Live Stats: Sidearm Stats
Tell me about this team
First, let’s take a look at what was said about Tennessee Tech from our 2019 Season Preview:
Tennessee Tech has always been a good program, but nothing overly great. Then they had a 40-win season in 2017... and then burst onto the national scene last year with one of the best and most complete teams in all of college baseball. The team won the Oxford Regional before being knocked out by Texas in a hard-fought Super Regional. Unfortunately for the Golden Eagles, the vast majority of that great team has moved on. SR OF Kevin Strohschein (.375/.433/.650, 18 2B, 18 HR) is the lone returning starter, and while the dude is a beast, there is a ton of talent to replace. The eight departed starters combined for 101 HR last year, all batted over .310 with OBPs over .383, and only one had under a .520 SLG%. JR OF Anthony Carrera (.345/.438/.673, 4 HR), JR UTIL Cody Littlejohn (.289/.413/.605, 3 HR), and JR C John Elford (.385/.438/1.077, 3 HR in 13 AB) all impressed in limited playing time last year. JR C/UTIL Gavin Johns, a UCLA transfer, should be an impact player. JUCO transfer JR 2B/SS Jay Meuse should also contribute. The returning situation on the pitching staff isn’t much better. SR LHP Alex Hursey (8-5, 4.81 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, .282 OBA) is the lone weekend rotation starter returning, and he was the #3 starter last year. JR LHP Nic Dye (4-1, 4.95 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, .278 OBA) returns after starting eight games a year ago and JR RHP Devin Lancaster (1-0, 5.62 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .287 OBA) has 14 career starts under his belt, so some experience is there. SO RHP Tyler Sylvester (3-1, 4 SV, 5.04 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, .213 OBA) is the top returning bullpen arm, and if Dye and Lancaster end up in the starting rotation, he’ll be pretty much the only one with meaningful experience and production. A pair of ACC transfers should make immediate contributions. JR RHP Jacob Cole, a UNC transfer by the JUCO route, is likely to man one starting spot while RS-FR LHP Connor Adams should get plenty of innings either as a starter of key reliever. JR RHP Caleb Morgan, another JUCO arm, should also be an oft-used arm in some capacity.
2019 Projected Record: 34-20 (20-10)
NCAA Tournament Bound?: Yes
I’m done with these previews where I talk honestly about the other team (also I’m way behind on this)... THIS IS THE BEST TEAM NC STATE WILL FACE TODAY EVER!
Who’s on the mound for these guys?
Tuesday: Strikey Strikeout (not a real player... maybe in our hearts)
Key Players:
Offense
UTIL Dude McKiller (CL) - The best hitter you’ve ever seen.
UTIL Guy Masher (CL) - The second best hitter you’ve ever seen.
Pitching
BHP Strikey Strikeout (CL) - Throws at least 125 mph with a change-up that’s in the mid-70’s. Ambidextrous.
BHP Closer McCloserson (CL) - This guy will strikeout your mom and then insult you. Think Kenny Powers, but more Kenny Powers-ish. Also can throw with both hands.
Quick! Fun Facts!
GoPack.com has put together a cool new little “History” feature on their page that details the series history between NC State and Tennessee Tech. Go check it out. It’s slick!
Prediction
Don’t want to talk about it. Ain’t gonna do it.
Outcome: Wouldn’t be prudent.