The Confidential

Rodon, Pack push Heels to CWS brink

Sunday in Omaha NC State at least partially avenged their ACC tournament loss to UNC as Carlos Rodon once again handcuffed the Heels.  The difference this time was that the bats showed up as well and the Wolfpack hammered the Heels 8-1.

Rodon was the star, pitching a complete game and allowing only five hits as State improved to 50-14, their first-ever 50-win season.  Brett Williams, Bryan Adametz and Logan Ratledge each had two hits of the Pack’s eleven for the game. UNC scored its run in the bottom of the ninth with the game well in hand.

With the loss, the Heels fall into the losers bracket and will face LSU at 3 pm Tuesday with the loser going home.  As an ACC loyalist, this correspondent will be rooting for the Heels, but has no problem with State fans who differ with this plan.  State also plays Tuesday, but will be on the diamond at 8 pm vs UCLA trying to avoid their first NCAA tournament loss this year and stay in the winner’s bracket.  It is still possible the Pack and Heels could collide again before this is over, albeit not in the title series.

Unfortunately future ACC school Louisville fell to Oregon State 11-4 today ending their CWS run.  Good season, though, Cardinals fans; looking forward to your being part of the family.