Box Score March 17, 2009
Final Stats
DURHAM, N.C.- The North Carolina Central University baseball team fell to the North Carolina State University Wolfpack in its first-ever meeting on the diamond 8-4 on Tuesday night at Doak Field.
The trouble for the Eagles began in the bottom of the first inning, where NC State plated four runs due to costly mistakes in the field, starting with an error from NCCU senior outfielder Oliver Jenkins on a typically routine fly ball to centerfield.
The host Wolfpack saw its lead grow to 7-1 heading into the top of the sixth, when NCCU rallied for three runs to cut the margin in half, making it 7-4 heading into the bottom of the sixth.
The first of the three runs were scored because of an error by NC State third baseman Bill Edwards on a sharply hit ball by Jenkins, that brought in pinch-runner Cedrick Coleman. NCCU freshman outfielder Akeem Hood also got a hit in the inning advanced to third on that same Wolfpack error and later scored thanks to a passed ball by NC State catcher Prat Maynard. With the score 7-3, Kurt Wilson got plunked by NC State hurler Mike Russo loading the bases with no outs. NCCU sophomore Blake Murray stepped up to the plate and hit a single to rightfield, bringing in the third and final run of the inning.
NC State changed pitchers at that point, bringing in Jason Zinser. The senior from San Diego, Calif. came in and shut the door on the Eagles, allowing just one hit the rest of the way.
In the bottom of the sixth, NC State ended the scoring on the night by plating one more run to bring the final score to 8-4. Both teams combined for five errors and gave up a combined four earned runs on the night.
The NCCU pitching staff did exactly what it needed to do to keep the Eagles in the contest, striking out seven Wolfpack batters while only surrendering three earned runs in the loss. Jeff Citero (1-2) took the loss, but not without putting up a tremendous effort. Citero finished the night going a little more than three innings, surrendering four hits, mowing down three NC State hitters while giving up just one earned run.
The game was originally scheduled to play at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, but due to the playing conditions at the DBAP, the contest was moved to NC State's campus.
Up next for NCCU (3-7) are the UNC-Wilmington Seahawks (14-2) on Wednesday back at home at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. First pitch is slate for 6:00 p.m. Admission is free for NCCU baseball fans at the DBAP.
