Box Score
Box Score    

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke University broke open a one-run ballgame by plating nine runs in the top of the third inning to cruise to a 17-3 baseball victory over host North Carolina Central University inside the Durham Athletic Park on Wednesday.

The Blue Devils exploded for 22 hits in the nine-inning outing, including nine extra-base hits with four home runs.

Freshman right fielder Grant McCabe topped Duke going 5-for-6 at the plate with two doubles, a triple, four runs scored and three runs batted in. Senior center fielder Will Piwnica-Worms contributed four hits with two doubles, a home run, four RBI and two runs scored in the win.

NCCU was paced by sophomore catcher Carter Williamson with a single, double and two RBI. Senior designated hitter Anthony Wilson and sophomore third baseman Troy Marrow added two hits each, while senior center fielder Ross Plummer had an RBI double.

Each team threw five pitchers. Duke freshman hurler Andrew Istler picked up the victory in two innings of relief, while NCCU junior starter Michael Romano took the loss in spite of allowing just one earned run and three hits in two innings.

Duke (2-3) now leads NCCU (0-4) in the head-to-head series 10-0.

NCCU returns to the Durham Athletic Park on Saturday, Feb. 25 to host New Jersey Institute of Technology for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.  Admission is free.