Preview: Lafayette Leopards at North Carolina State Wolfpack

RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — Fresh off a stunning series-opening victory, the Lafayette Leopards will look to secure a weekend series win against the 22nd-ranked North Carolina State Wolfpack on Saturday afternoon at Doak Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature of 82 degrees.

The Leopards (1-7) handed the Wolfpack (12-2) just their second loss of the season Friday afternoon, riding a strong pitching performance to an 11-6 win. Lafayette will aim to replicate that formula behind a player to watch: right-hander Tristan Helmick. Helmick was dominant in relief Friday, throwing eight shutout innings with three strikeouts to earn the win. Over his last three appearances, spanning 18 innings, he has allowed just two earned runs.

For the Wolfpack, the focus will be on rebounding quickly. A player to watch for NC State is power-hitting outfielder Ty Head, who launched a three-run homer in Friday’s loss. Head has been a key run producer, with four home runs and 13 RBIs over the team’s last 10 games.

The matchup presents a stark contrast in early-season trajectories. The Wolfpack, whose only losses are to Princeton and Lafayette, have outscored opponents 142-45 this season. The Leopards, despite their overall record, showed offensive life Friday with home runs from Ryan Ulisse and Liam Ebbs.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of North Carolina State 7, Lafayette 1.

Following Saturday’s contest, the series concludes Sunday afternoon.