The N.C. State Wolfpack is in Athens today to prepare for this weekend's super-regional. They rode three close regional wins to get their second ever super-regional berth. State has been a solid club this year, but I doubt any of you were following them. As a scouting service to you, loyal reader, I provide below three points of interest about the Wolfpack.
- That #8 national seed came in handy. State has a home record of 29-8. On the road, they are 13-12. Those losses include Georgia Tech, Louisville, and lost series at Clemson and FSU. The Dawgs played well against those teams. In shared opponent games, State is 3-6 to Georgia's 7-3. The home crowd needs to let State know where they are playing.
- The Wolfpack has gotten where they are because they have one of the best pitching staffs in the country. Friday's starter, Clayton Shunick, is a legit ace, sporting a microscopic 2.16 ERA. He hasn't given up more than four earned runs all year. Saturday's probable starter, Eric Surkamp, has given up more than four only twice in 15 starts. Then there's the stellar bullpen, who gave up only one hit in the Pack's three regional games. Their pen is deep, versatile and anchored by lefty Alex Sogard. Their normal closer, Jimmy Gillheeney, was ruled ineligible for academics.
- Both Georgia and N.C. State hit about the same for average, but the Dawgs slug more. Georgia has three players who have 10 or more home runs. State has none. That's good because the Dawgs will have to get extra bases to score on such good pitchers.
So here's the formula, Holder and Moreau need to have solid performances. They don't need to have the game of their life, but they need to hang around with Shunick and Sogard. If State gets more than three runs ahead Friday, the Dawgs are in trouble. Elliott Avent, State's skipper, has said they will throw the kitchen sink to win Friday. Holder and Moreau have to keep pace with State's starters. The Dawgs need to scrap out some runs early. State's staff is tough, but our offense has been rolling lately, scoring 44 runs in the last three games. Make those pitchers play from behind. Finally, the crowd needs to get into the games. Judging by their record, State can get rattled away from home. The Dawgs need a crowd that's intimidating and loud. Make it so Dawg fans.
Also: Joshua Fields was named the best closer in college baseball yesterday. So, I guess our pen isn't that bad either.
Also: Joshua Fields was named the best closer in college baseball yesterday. So, I guess our pen isn't that bad either.
Quinton
