NC State clinches series with 9-3 win over Radford

NC State pulled ahead for good on Saturday afternoon with a three-run fifth and tacked on insurance with another big inning later to defeat Radford, 9-3. The win is State’s third straight, and it clinches this final non-conference series of the regular season.

The Highlanders struck first with a two-run shot in the top of the third inning, but the Wolfpack drew even with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth, thanks in part to a Radford fielding error.

In the bottom of the fifth, a fielding error once again cost Radford. Dillon Cooper reached on a throwing error to lead things off, and that was followed by a Jonny Butler single. Will Wilson brought everybody home with a three-run shot to left, pushing the Pack ahead 5-2.

That would end up being all of the offense State would need today, but it added four runs in the seventh, all with two outs. Patrick Bailey drove in two with a single and Brad Debo followed with an RBI single of his own. Consecutive walks by Radford pitching forced in the fourth run of the frame.

Bailey paced the State offense with three hits on the day. Butler and Devonte Brown had two hits apiece.

NC State will go for the series sweep on Sunday and closes out its non-conference slate with Campbell on Tuesday. Hopefully these games provide a much-needed confidence boost as the Pack finishes off ACC play with series against Clemson and UNC.