Wake Forest Upsets No. 7 Coastal Carolina with Long Balls

Demon Deacons' offense explodes for 10 runs in midweek win over Chanticleers

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game between Wake Forest and Coastal Carolina, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in the team's vibrant colors.Wake Forest's offensive explosion against a top-10 opponent showcases their potential to make noise in the ACC this season.Wake Forest Today

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons defeated the No. 7-ranked Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 10-5 on Tuesday night, fueled by a barrage of home runs from their lineup. The win was a significant boost to Wake Forest's RPI and marked head coach Tom Walter's 950th career victory.

Why it matters

This upset victory over a top-10 opponent is a major confidence boost for the Demon Deacons, who have struggled against some of the ACC's elite teams so far this season. The win could propel Wake Forest as they prepare to host a crucial weekend series against fellow ACC foe NC State.

The details

Wake Forest starting pitcher Duncan Marsten tossed 5.0 solid innings, allowing just 3 earned runs while striking out 7 Coastal Carolina batters. The Demon Deacons' offense ambushed Chanticleers starter Jackson Smallets in the 3rd inning, scoring 5 runs on RBI singles. Coastal Carolina climbed back into the game with a 3-run 4th inning, but Wake Forest pulled away with long balls from Boston Torres, Jackson Miller, Dalton Wentz, Luke Costello, and Jimmy Keenan.

  • On Tuesday night, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons toppled the No. 7-ranked Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.
  • In the 3rd inning, the Wake Forest lineup struck for 5 runs.

The players

Duncan Marsten

The right-handed pitcher who got the start for Wake Forest, tossing 5.0 innings and striking out 7 Coastal Carolina batters.

Tom Walter

The head coach of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, earning his 950th career victory with this upset win.

Jackson Smallets

The starting pitcher for Coastal Carolina who was forced out of the game early due to Wake Forest's offensive onslaught.

Kade Lewis

The Wake Forest infielder who recorded an RBI single in the 3rd inning.

Luke Costello

The Wake Forest player who hit a home run to help put the game out of reach for Coastal Carolina.

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What’s next

If Wake Forest can build off of their midweek upset over Coastal Carolina, then they could make some serious noise this weekend with a series win over N.C. State.

The takeaway

This upset victory over a top-10 opponent is a major confidence boost for the Demon Deacons, who have struggled against some of the ACC's elite teams so far this season. The win could propel Wake Forest as they prepare to host a crucial weekend series against fellow ACC foe NC State.