Preview: Struggling Lafayette Faces NC State in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — The eighth-ranked North Carolina State Wolfpack, riding a wave of dominant early-season form, will host the struggling Lafayette Leopards in a nonconference baseball series opener Friday evening at Doak Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with temperatures around 75 degrees.

The Wolfpack (12-1) have been one of the nation’s most explosive teams, averaging over 11 runs per game during a current seven-game winning streak. Their only loss was a 1-0 pitchers’ duel to Princeton on Feb. 21. Since then, NC State has outscored opponents 101-15.

A key catalyst has been shortstop Mikey Ryan. The sophomore is hitting .500 (8 for 16) over his last six games with four home runs and 10 RBIs, including a homer in Wednesday’s 9-2 win over Queens.

Lafayette (0-7) arrives seeking its first win after a difficult opening stretch. The Leopards were swept in a three-game series at then-Miami last month and dropped three more at William & Mary last weekend.

A bright spot for the Leopards has been reliever Trey Zaffiro. After a tough outing at Miami on Feb. 22, the right-hander rebounded with 2 2/3 perfect innings, striking out three, in Sunday’s 12-5 loss at William & Mary. He will be a key arm if Lafayette is to slow the Wolfpack’s potent lineup.

The teams will meet again Saturday and Sunday to complete the series.

According to Interstat, NC State holds a 94% probability to win Friday, with a projected final score of 7-1.