Bruce Winkworth wrote a fantastic piece on the struggles of the NC State Wolfpack after this past weekend which saw them drop to 15-11 and a very disappointing 3-9 mark in ACC play. NC State picked up a 9-2 victory over Campbell in 12 innings. You can check out an excerpt below.
How did we get from there to here in seven short weeks? Well, it took longer than seven weeks. This team’s fate was first put in peril when last season ended and three key relief pitchers graduated with no replacements anywhere in sight. Few saw it coming, but it was there in plain sight for anyone who cared to look. Few even bothered.
Let’s be honest here. Relievers are a lot like offensive linemen. They’re absolutely essential, but few people understand just how vital they are until they’re gone. Then they figure it out in a hurry. NC State’s bullpen was the No. 1 reason the Wolfpack got to Omaha last year. That bullpen was more important than Carlos Rodon, more important than Trea Turner, more important than any other single player or group of players on the team.
Wolfpack relievers went 31-5 with a 2.57 ERA and 19 saves a year ago. Head coach Elliott Avent called on his pen 203 times, and his relievers responded by allowing 238 hits and 119 walks while striking out 279 in 315 innings. They held opposing hitters to a .210 average.
You can check out the full article by clicking here.
