Reid Johnston’s six-hit shutout propels the Wolfpack past the visiting Cavaliers
No. 1 NC State (26-2, 9-2 ACC) rebounded from Friday’s one-run loss to shut out Virginia (16-11, 6-5 ACC) Saturday evening at Doak Field, 3-0.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Reid Johnston (4-0, 2.21 ERA) only allowed six Cavalier hits and one walk while striking out seven batters en route to the complete-game victory. The Enfield, N.C. native’s nine-inning shutout marked the first of its kind since Carlos Rodon’s 10-strikeout, two-hit performance against William & Mary in the opening game of the 2013 NCAA Raleigh Regional.
The Wolfpack brought its first run home in the bottom of the second inning. Freshman center fielder Tyler McDonough reached on a fielder’s choice with senior first baseman Evan Edwards getting thrown out at second after leading off with a single. After a strikeout, McDonough scored on a double by sophomore second baseman David Vazquez.
Sophomore left fielder Jonny Butler added a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth inning for State’s final runs of the game. Vazquez led off the frame with a walk. After a pair of strikeouts, Butler came to the plate and drilled a 1-1 pitch over the wall in right field for the Channahon, Ill. product’s first home run in a Wolfpack uniform.
The rubber match between the Pack and the Wahoos will take place Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Doak Field is set for 1 p.m.
Photo by Jaylynn Nash
