NC State Baseball has a storied history filled with thrilling victories, heartbreaking defeats, and intense rivalries that have shaped the program’s identity. From dramatic postseason runs to heated ACC showdowns, the Wolfpack has provided fans with unforgettable moments on the diamond. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most memorable games and historic rivalries that define NC State Baseball.
1. The Road to Omaha: NC State’s Greatest Postseason Moments
2013 College World Series: The Cinderella Run
One of the most iconic seasons in NC State Baseball history came in 2013 when the Wolfpack made a magical run to the College World Series (CWS) in Omaha. Under head coach Elliott Avent, the team defied expectations, defeating powerhouse programs along the way.
- Super Regional vs. Rice: In a thrilling best-of-three series, NC State clinched their Omaha berth with a 5-4 victory in extra innings, thanks to a walk-off hit by Jake Fincher.
- CWS Game vs. UNC: The Wolfpack faced their archrival, North Carolina, in Omaha and delivered a dominant 8-1 win, fueled by Carlos Rodon’s stellar pitching.
Though they fell short of a national title, the 2013 team remains one of the most beloved in program history.
2021 College World Series: The Controversial Ending
NC State’s 2021 postseason run was one of the most dramatic—and controversial—in college baseball history. The Wolfpack bulldozed through the NCAA Tournament, reaching the CWS with a 37-19 record.
- Super Regional vs. Arkansas: In a high-stakes matchup, NC State stunned the No. 1-ranked Razorbacks in Fayetteville, winning 3-2 in a decisive Game 3.
- CWS vs. Vanderbilt: The Wolfpack were two wins away from the championship series when a COVID-19 outbreak forced their elimination, sparking nationwide debate.
Despite the abrupt ending, the 2021 squad proved NC State could compete with the nation’s best.
2. Historic Rivalries That Define NC State Baseball
NC State vs. North Carolina: The Battle of the Blues
The Wolfpack vs. Tar Heels rivalry is one of the fiercest in college sports, and baseball is no exception. The two teams have clashed in ACC play, NCAA Regionals, and even the College World Series.
- 2013 CWS Showdown: NC State’s 8-1 demolition of UNC in Omaha was a defining moment, proving the Pack could dominate their rivals on the biggest stage.
- 2022 ACC Tournament Thriller: In a 10-inning classic, NC State edged UNC 9-8 with a walk-off hit, further fueling the rivalry.
NC State vs. Clemson: A Clash of ACC Titans
Clemson has long been a powerhouse in ACC baseball, making the Wolfpack vs. Tigers matchup a must-watch.
- 2018 ACC Tournament: NC State upset No. 2 Clemson 6-5 in a nail-biter, advancing to the semifinals.
- 2023 Regular Season Series: The Wolfpack took 2 of 3 games from Clemson, showcasing their ability to compete with elite programs.
NC State vs. Florida State: High-Stakes ACC Battles
Florida State has been a consistent contender, and their matchups with NC State often have postseason implications.
- 2012 ACC Championship Game: NC State defeated FSU 9-2, claiming their first ACC title in over 40 years.
- 2019 Super Regional: Though FSU won the series, the intense competition solidified this as a must-watch rivalry.
3. Unforgettable Individual Performances
Trea Turner’s Legendary Speed (2012-2014)
One of NC State’s greatest players, Trea Turner, electrified fans with his base-stealing prowess. In 2013, he set an ACC record with 57 stolen bases, a mark that still stands today.
Carlos Rodon’s Dominance on the Mound (2012-2014)
Carlos Rodon was one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball, leading NC State to Omaha in 2013. His 17-strikeout performance against UNC in 2014 remains one of the greatest pitching displays in program history.
Jonny Butler’s 2021 Postseason Heroics
In the 2021 Super Regional at Arkansas, Jonny Butler’s clutch hitting (including a game-winning RBI) helped the Wolfpack upset the No. 1 team in the nation.
4. The Future of NC State Baseball
With state-of-the-art facilities (including upgrades to Doak Field) and a strong recruiting pipeline, NC State Baseball is poised for more historic moments. The Wolfpack continues to develop MLB talent and compete for ACC titles and CWS berths.
Key Upcoming Matchups to Watch
- NC State vs. UNC (2024-25 Season): The rivalry never loses its intensity.
- ACC Tournament Showdowns: Can the Pack add another conference title?
- Potential CWS Return: With a talented roster, Omaha is always the goal.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Thrilling Moments
From nail-biting postseason wins to heated rivalries, NC State Baseball has given fans countless memories. Whether it’s the 2013 CWS run, the 2021 controversy, or epic battles against UNC and Clemson, the Wolfpack’s legacy is built on grit, passion, and unforgettable moments.
As the program continues to grow, one thing is certain: NC State Baseball will always deliver drama, excitement, and pride for the Pack faithful.
5 FAQs on “NC State Baseball: Memorable Games and Historic Rivalries”
1. What was NC State Baseball’s most memorable College World Series run?
The 2013 College World Series stands out as one of NC State’s most iconic postseason runs. The Wolfpack defeated Rice in a dramatic Super Regional and then dominated rival North Carolina (8-1) in Omaha before falling short of the championship.
2. Why was NC State’s 2021 College World Series appearance controversial?
NC State was two wins away from the CWS finals when a COVID-19 outbreak forced them to forfeit, eliminating the team despite no losses on the field. Many fans and analysts argued the NCAA should have postponed games instead.
3. Who are NC State Baseball’s biggest rivals?
The Wolfpack’s fiercest rivalries are:
- North Carolina (UNC) – A heated in-state ACC battle.
- Clemson – Frequent high-stakes ACC matchups.
- Florida State – Key conference and postseason clashes.
4. Which NC State players had legendary performances in key games?
- Carlos Rodon (2014) – Struck out 17 Tar Heels in a historic pitching duel.
- Trea Turner (2013) – Set an ACC stolen base record (57).
- Jonny Butler (2021) – Delivered clutch hits to upset No. 1 Arkansas.
5. Has NC State Baseball ever won an ACC Championship?
Yes! The Wolfpack won the 2012 ACC Tournament, their first conference title in over 40 years, by defeating Florida State 9-2 in the championship game.
