South Raleigh News

The NC State baseball team emerged victorious in the NCAA Raleigh Regional final, defeating James Madison 5-3 to advance to their sixth Super Regional in program history. The Wolfpack, holding a record of 36-20, maintained control throughout the game and completed an undefeated week while hosting their seventh NCAA Regional.

NC State's win as the No. 10 national seed propels them into a Super Regional matchup against Georgia, who is seeded seventh with a 42-15 record. Details regarding the schedule for this upcoming series at Foley Field in Athens, Georgia, will be announced soon.

In the fourth inning, NC State capitalized on bases-loaded walks to establish a 2-0 lead. Todd Mozoki, James Madison's starting pitcher, hit Matt Heavner with a pitch before walking Noah Soles. After retiring two batters, Mozoki intentionally walked Alec Makarewicz to load the bases. Jacob Cozart and Brandon Butterworth then drew walks that gave NC State a lead they maintained throughout the game.

James Madison responded with Mike Mancini's solo home run in the fourth inning. Makarewicz countered with his own solo homer in the sixth inning for NC State, marking his 20th of the season and placing him among nine players in program history to achieve this milestone.

Mancini hit another solo home run in response during the bottom of the sixth inning. Logan Whitaker started for NC State and pitched six innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out six batters. Freshman Jacob Dudan and sophomore Derrick Smith handled pitching duties for the final three innings.

Makarewicz further extended NC State's lead with an RBI double in the eighth inning. Mancini drove an RBI double for James Madison to cut their deficit once more but was unable to close it entirely as Dudan struck out two consecutive batters to end their threat.

Soles added an insurance run for NC State with a solo home run in the ninth inning. Smith closed out the game by retiring all batters faced in order during his relief appearance.

Five members of NC State were named to the 2024 NCAA Baseball All-Raleigh Regional Team: Garrett Pennington, Brandon Butterworth, Alec Makarewicz, Eli Serrano III, and Jacob Dudan. Makarewicz was also recognized as the tournament's most outstanding player.