RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — The North Carolina State Wolfpack turned a tight early contest into a midweek rout, exploding for 14 runs over the middle innings to defeat the Akron Zips 18-3 in nonconference baseball action Wednesday evening at Doak Field.

The game’s pivotal shift came in the bottom of the third inning, with the Wolfpack clinging to a 4-3 lead. After Akron starter Jeremiah Newman was relieved by Taylor Bednar, North Carolina State’s offense ignited. The Wolfpack sent 10 batters to the plate, capitalizing on walks, timely hitting and aggressive baserunning to score four runs and break the game open.

The inning featured a key RBI infield single by Rett Johnson, a run-scoring fielder’s choice from Ty Head and a crushing two-run double by Chris McHugh that stretched the lead to 8-3. That sequence effectively ended the competitive phase of the game, as the Zips’ pitching staff struggled to contain a relentless Wolfpack lineup that drew 12 walks and benefited from three Akron errors.

North Carolina State starter Luke Hemric was the standout performer, earning the win with four dominant innings. He allowed no hits and no earned runs while striking out two, effectively silencing the Akron bats after they had taken an early lead. Hemric’s outing continued his strong start to the season, lowering his ERA after another scoreless appearance the previous week against Winthrop.

The Wolfpack offense was a collective force, amassing 12 hits. McHugh drove in three runs, while Sherman Johnson and Luke Nixon each added two RBIs. Head set the tone early, launching a solo home run, his fourth of the season, in the first inning. Designated hitter Brandon Novy also homered, his first of the year, as part of a six-run sixth inning that put the game completely out of reach.

Akron’s three runs all came in the fifth inning off reliever Julien Peissel. Brody Chrisman hit a solo home run, and RBI groundout by Kelton Phillips and a run-scoring single from Blake Bowen accounted for the scoring. The Zips managed only five hits total on the night.

Cy Herchelroath and Garrett Groce provided brief scoreless relief appearances for Akron, but the Zips used seven pitchers who combined to issue 12 walks.

With the victory, North Carolina State improved to 7-1 on the season, continuing its powerful offensive start to the year. The Wolfpack have scored 10 or more runs in five of their eight games. Akron fell to 3-6 with the loss, its fourth straight defeat.

North Carolina State will open a three-game home series against Sacred Heart on Friday. Akron will travel to face North Carolina A&T for a three-game set beginning the same day.