RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — Eighth-ranked North Carolina State erupted for 18 runs on 12 hits in a lopsided 18-3 victory over Akron on Wednesday evening at Doak Field.

The Wolfpack (7-1) scored in each of the first six innings, breaking the game open with a seven-run sixth. Ty Head launched a leadoff homer in the first, his fourth of the season, and Brandon Novy added a solo shot in the sixth. Chris McHugh and Luke Nixon each drove in three runs.

Starter Luke Hemric earned the win with four hitless innings, striking out two. Akron (3-6) managed just five hits, with Brody Chrisman hitting a solo homer in the fifth. The Zips used eight pitchers, with Cy Herchelroath and Garrett Groce combining for 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.