NC State Baseball Rallies to Defeat Wake Forest in Series Finale

Freshman outfielder Rett Johnson's historic performance helps the Wolfpack salvage a win after back-to-back losses.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes of bright blue, red, and yellow, capturing the dynamic energy and action of a baseball game.NC State's gritty comeback win over Wake Forest showcases the team's resilience and determination as they fight to keep their postseason hopes alive.Wake Forest Today

After suffering two lopsided defeats against Wake Forest, NC State baseball bounced back with a 6-5 extra-innings victory in the series finale. Freshman outfielder Rett Johnson led the charge, going 5-for-5 at the plate, while the bullpen delivered gutsy performances to keep the Wolfpack in the game. Despite some uncharacteristic struggles earlier in the series, NC State was able to rally and secure an important conference win.

Why it matters

This victory helps NC State maintain its position in the conference standings and keeps its postseason hopes alive after a difficult start to the series. The Wolfpack's ability to respond and overcome adversity against a tough ACC opponent showcases the team's resilience and character.

The details

NC State trailed 4-2 in the 8th inning, but a clutch RBI single from Sherman Johnson tied the game. In the 10th inning, backup third baseman Wyatt Peifer laid down a perfect bunt that led to the go-ahead run, and the Wolfpack added an insurance run to secure the 6-5 win.

  • The series against Wake Forest took place from April 17-19, 2026.
  • NC State's next series is a road trip to face Virginia Tech from April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Rett Johnson

A freshman outfielder for NC State who had a historic 5-for-5 performance at the plate to lead the Wolfpack to victory.

Elliott Avent

The veteran head coach of the NC State baseball team who guided his squad to the comeback win after two tough losses to start the series.

Clint Chrysler

The pitching coach for NC State who helped the bullpen deliver gutsy performances to keep the Wolfpack in the game.

Anderson Nance

The NC State pitcher who earned the win after pitching 3 innings of relief, including getting out of a jam in the 10th inning to secure the victory.

Wyatt Peifer

The backup third baseman for NC State who laid down a perfect bunt in the 10th inning to bring home the go-ahead run.

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What they’re saying

“Took a little longer, but that's a WOLFPACK WIN!”

— NC State Baseball, Twitter account

What’s next

NC State will look to build on this series-clinching victory when they hit the road to face Virginia Tech in a key ACC matchup from April 24-26, 2026.

The takeaway

This comeback win showcases the resilience and character of the NC State baseball team, who were able to bounce back from a difficult start to the series and secure an important conference victory. The Wolfpack's ability to rally around their freshman star Rett Johnson and get key contributions from their bullpen will be crucial as they look to make a push for the postseason.