NC State's Dalton Bargo delivers go-ahead homer, but his leadership just as critical

Veteran slugger's bat and calming presence key in Wolfpack's early-season success

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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NC State first baseman Dalton Bargo hit a crucial three-run homer to beat Princeton, but his leadership and experience have been just as important for the Wolfpack's undefeated start to the season. The veteran transfer from Tennessee has provided a steadying presence both at the plate and in the field, helping to settle the team's young pitching staff and keep the squad focused.

Why it matters

Bargo's all-around contributions highlight the value of veteran leadership, especially for a team with a lot of new faces. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways - with his bat, his glove, and his mentorship - makes him a key piece for NC State as they look to build on their early-season success.

The details

In the eighth inning of Friday's game against Princeton, Bargo came to the plate with two runners on and the game tied. Rather than trying to do too much, he waited patiently for the right pitch and then unloaded on an 88-mph off-speed offering, launching a three-run homer that proved to be the difference. That blast was Bargo's third in his first four games with the Wolfpack after transferring from Tennessee. But beyond the numbers, Bargo has made his presence felt through his leadership, constantly encouraging and supporting the team's young pitchers from his spot at first base.

  • Bargo hit his first three homers of the season in the Wolfpack's first four games.
  • In the seventh inning of Friday's game, Bargo vocally supported freshman reliever Aiden Kitchings as he worked out of a jam with the game tied.

The players

Dalton Bargo

A veteran first baseman who transferred to NC State this offseason after spending the past two seasons at Tennessee and his freshman year at Missouri. Bargo is off to a hot start at the plate and has also provided invaluable leadership for the Wolfpack's young pitching staff.

Aiden Kitchings

A freshman reliever for NC State who found himself in a jam in the seventh inning of Friday's game against Princeton, with Bargo providing vocal encouragement from his spot at first base.

Elliott Avent

The 30th-year head coach of the NC State baseball team, who has been impressed not only by Bargo's production at the plate but also his quality leadership both on and off the field.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of it just has to do with the offseason and preseason work that I've put in. I let my abilities take over, trust the process and just go out there and play hard.”

— Dalton Bargo (on3.com)

“That inside of me just takes over. I've been around a lot of baseball, played a lot of baseball, so it's really easy for me to settle down the young guys. ... Just settling everybody down, letting the game slow down and helping everybody else out.”

— Dalton Bargo (on3.com)

“We knew what we were getting as a player, but he's been around the game. He understands the game. ... He knows what it takes to win. His leadership on and off the field is what I admire most about him right now.”

— Elliott Avent, NC State Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

NC State will look to continue their undefeated start to the season when they take on Princeton again on Saturday.

The takeaway

Dalton Bargo's impact on the NC State baseball team goes far beyond just his production at the plate. The veteran transfer has provided invaluable leadership, mentorship, and a calming presence that has been crucial to the Wolfpack's early-season success.