Preview: Akron Zips at North Carolina State Wolfpack

RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — The surging North Carolina State Wolfpack look to continue their hot start when they host the Akron Zips in a nonconference matchup Wednesday evening at Doak Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures around 43 degrees.

The Wolfpack (6-1) have won six of their first seven, including a historic 27-0 rout of Richmond on Tuesday. They have scored 10 or more runs in four games this season.

Akron (3-4) arrives after dropping three of four in a road series at Western Illinois, including a 10-6 loss on Sunday.

A key matchup will feature Akron reliever Jeremiah Newman against the heart of the NC State order. Newman was brilliant in his last outing Sunday, striking out four over two perfect innings of relief. For the season, the right-hander has not allowed a hit in 4.2 innings pitched, fanning eight.

He will need to be sharp against Wolfpack slugger Dalton Bargo. The infielder is coming off a monster performance Tuesday, going 4 for 6 with a home run and five RBIs in the record-setting win. Bargo has two homers and nine RBIs over his last four games.

Beyond Bargo, NC State’s offense is deep. Five different players drove in at least three runs in Tuesday’s blowout, and starter Heath Andrews twirled six one-hit innings. The Wolfpack have outscored opponents 85-14 in their six victories.

Akron’s offense showed life in the series at Western Illinois, scoring 27 runs over four games. Outfielder Brody Chrisman went 3 for 4 in Sunday’s loss.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a close contest, favoring NC State 7-6.

Following Wednesday’s game, the Wolfpack host Sacred Heart for a three-game series starting Friday. Akron travels to face North Carolina A&T for a three-game set beginning Friday.