University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
NC State
Gruszka’s Four Hits, Lankford’s Grand Slam Not Enough in 15-11 Shootout Versus No. 24 NC State
03.13.2018 | Baseball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Despite Joe Gruszka tallying four hits and Brandon Lankford connecting with a grand slam, the UNC Asheville baseball team was edged in a 15-11 shootout at No. 24 NC State on Tuesday at Doak Field.
BULLDOG BITES
Highlights
The Bulldog offense didn't skip a beat after downing Manhattan at home on Saturday, 9-3, as Asheville recorded four runs off four hits in the top of the first frame versus the Wolfpack. Kole Harris, Carmine Pagano and Lankford started the inning red hot, as they each connected with a single to force the bases loaded. Chris Troost walked with one out to take the early 1-0 lead, and the Bulldogs scored later that inning on a passed ball. With a 2-0 lead, Tyler Serricchio made it hurt, as he drilled a double to right center to plate Lankford. Joe Zayatz scored the fourth run of the inning, as he grounded out to first and scored Troost from third base.
NC State retaliated in the bottom of the first inning with three runs, but the Bulldogs smacked three hits in the top of the second inning, which was highlighted by the first grand slam of the season for UNC Asheville. Andrew Friedholm, Harris and Gruszka all reached base safely to jumpstart the frame, and after a pitching change and a fly out, Lankford turned on the fourth pitch he saw to open the game to a 8-3 lead for Asheville.
The Wolfpack plated a lone run in the second inning and three in the third inning to pull within one run, 8-7.
UNC Asheville threatened to pad its lead in the fourth frame, as Gruszka, Lankford and Troost all reached base safely with only one out. However, NC State made the call to the bullpen, and the relief pitcher stranded the three Bulldogs.
The Pack earned their first lead of the game (9-8), as they connected with two runs off two hits in the home-half of the fourth.
They extended their first lead of the game in the bottom of the fifth, as NC State connected with its second home run of the contest.
However, the Bulldogs didn't give in, as they tallied a pair of runs in the top of the sixth frame. Gruszka smacked his third hit of the game to lead off the inning, and Pagano put two runners in scoring position with his double to left field. After a strikeout, Jake Catalano laid down a bunt, which scored Gruszka, and thanks to a throwing error by the NC State pitcher, Pagano was able to score as well to tie the game at 10-all.
The Wolfpack tacked on three runs in the bottom of the sixth to regain the lead, 13-10.
For the first time in the game, NC State was held scoreless in an inning, as Austin Fahr faced the minimum in the bottom of the seventh.
Asheville tried to mount yet another comeback in the eighth. Gruszka totaled his fourth hit of the contest, and Pagano and Catalano recorded a hit-by-pitch, which forced the bases loaded. Serricchio plated Gruszka with a groundout to second base, which made the game 13-11. The Wolfpack made another pitching change and forced the Bulldogs to leave runners on base.
The Wolfpack tacked on two more insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth, as they took a four-run lead (15-11) heading into the final inning.
Asheville couldn't muster another comeback in the game, as it went down in order.
Gruszka had a team-high four hits, as all four went for singles. He also touched home three times, which was also a team-best. Friedholm, Lankford and Pagano each contributed a pair of hits. Lankford had a team-high four RBIs, which all came off one swing of the bat in the second frame.
The one through four hitters for UNC Asheville (Harris, Gruszka, Pagano and Lankford) combined for nine of the 13 team hits and scored nine of the 11 total runs scored.
Pagano and Serricchio each tallied a double, and Lankford recorded the lone home run for Asheville. The home run for the sophomore makes it two straight games he has knocked a home run.
As a pitching staff, UNC Asheville posted seven strikeouts, as Jordan Fulbright tallied a team-high five strikeouts. Eric Whitecavage twirled 0.2 innings, where he didn't allow a run and surrendered only one hit.
The Bulldogs fall to 3-12 overall, while the nationally-ranked Wolfpack moves to 14-3 overall and 13-2 at Doak Field.
What's Next?
UNC Asheville and NC State conclude the two-game series on Wednesday, March 14, with a 3 p.m. first pitch at Doak Field.
