Wake Forest Sluggers Power Past Pitt in Game One

Demon Deacons hit four home runs to take series opener against the Panthers

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:07am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college baseball game, with the players, field, and crowd broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors like blue, red, and yellow.Wake Forest's offensive explosion powers them to a crucial series-opening win over Pitt.Wake Forest Today

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons opened their weekend series against the Pitt Panthers with a convincing 8-2 victory, powered by a four-home run outburst in the fourth inning. Starting pitcher Chris Levonas settled in after a rocky start, going 6.1 innings and allowing just 3 hits and 2 runs while striking out 7. The Demon Deacons' offense came alive in the fourth, with home runs from Jimmy Keenan, Javar Williams, Dalton Wentz, and Luke Costello to take the lead and never look back.

Why it matters

This win gives Wake Forest an important early advantage in the series against a tough Pitt team. The Demon Deacons' offense has been inconsistent at times this season, so this breakout performance shows they have the firepower to compete with any opponent. Levonas' strong outing on the mound also demonstrates the team's pitching depth, which will be crucial as they aim to make a deep postseason run.

The details

After Pitt took an early 2-0 lead, the Demon Deacons exploded for 5 runs in the 4th inning to take control of the game. Catcher Jimmy Keenan hit a 3-run homer, Javar Williams added a solo shot, and Dalton Wentz and Luke Costello also went deep later in the game. Starting pitcher Chris Levonas settled in after a shaky start, finishing with 7 strikeouts over 6.1 innings to earn the win and improve to 7-1 on the season.

  • The game was played on April 3, 2026.
  • First pitch is scheduled for 3 pm on April 4, 2026 for game two of the series.

The players

Chris Levonas

Wake Forest starting pitcher who went 6.1 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs while striking out 7 to earn the win and improve to 7-1 on the season.

Jimmy Keenan

Wake Forest catcher who hit a 3-run home run in the 4th inning to give the Demon Deacons the lead.

Javar Williams

Wake Forest outfielder who hit a solo home run in the 4th inning, his second straight game with a homer.

Dalton Wentz

Wake Forest infielder who hit a solo home run in the 7th inning, his 8th of the season.

Luke Costello

Wake Forest outfielder who hit a solo home run in the 8th inning, his 10th of the season.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had a tough challenge against Pitt, but the guys really stepped up and showed what our offense is capable of. Chris set the tone on the mound and the bats came alive when we needed them to.”

— Tom Walter, Wake Forest Head Coach

What’s next

Wake Forest will look to clinch the series victory against Pitt in game two on April 4, 2026 at 3 pm.

The takeaway

This offensive outburst from Wake Forest demonstrates the team's ability to compete with any opponent, even against a red-hot Pitt squad. The Demon Deacons' pitching depth and power at the plate make them a formidable team that could make a deep postseason run if they continue playing at this high level.