Box Score NC State used home runs from Ramon Corona and Matt Mangini and solid pitching from Eric Surkamp to post a 12-3 win over the High Point Panthers. The No. 17 Wolfpack improves to 13-1, while the Panthers fall to 6-9.
The Wolfpack started the scoring with two runs in the bottom of the second inning. Jon Still led off the inning and was hit by a pitch. Still crossed the plate on the heels of a Mangini double. Mangini later scored on a Matt Payne sacrifice fly.
The Panthers responded with a run in the top of the third, when Jeff Cowan came home. NC State added a run in the bottom half of the inning when Corona scored to extend the Wolfpack lead to 3-1.
NC State broke the game open in the fourth inning, scoring five runs on six hits off of Highpoint reliever Bubba O'Donnell. Payne started the inning with a single and later scored. Matt Camp singled, stole second base, and scored on an error to bring home the second run of the inning. Corona singled and then scored on a Still single. Mangini's single drove in Aaron Bates, who had singled, to bring the final run of the inning.
High Point's Chris Norwood hit a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning to cut the NC State lead to 7-1. The Panthers scored their final run in the sixth when Randy Schwartz lead off walk turned into a run.
Payne added to the Wolfpack lead in the seventh. He led off the inning with a double and later scored on a wild pitch.
Mangini's three-run homer run in the eight inning finished the scoring and made the Wolfpack lead 12-3.
Surkamp (1-0) made his first collegiate start pitching five innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits, while striking out seven and only walking one batter to get the win.
Joel Brookens pitched two innings of relief, giving up one run on one hit, two walks, and two strikeouts. Adam McLaurin closed out the game for the Wolfpack, pitching two innings of shutout ball, giving up one walk and striking out one.
Zach Zupan (1-0) took the loss for High Point.
High Point returns to the diamond March 3, 4 and 5 in a three game home series against Dayton. First game is set for 2:30 p.m. on Friday at George Erath Field.
