RALEIGH, N.C. – Cory Harrilchak went 3-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI while J.D. Reichenbach threw a career-best 6.1 innings to lead the Elon Phoenix to a 5-3 victory over the North Carolina State Wolfpack from Doak Field on Wednesday night. With the win, Elon spilts the season series with the Wolfpack.
Elon (9-5) struck in its first at bat of the night, scoring once. Zeth Stone, who had reached on a fielder’s choice, scored on a Wolfpack throwing error to tally the game’s first run.
State (10-9) got that run back quickly in the bottom of the first. Dallas Poulk reached on an infield single and then raced around the bases on Drew Poulk’s double to the gap in left.
Justin Hilt’s triple to start the second turned in to Elon’s second run of the night when Ryan Adams lifted a sacrifice fly to left with one out.
Harrilchak sent a 2-2 pitch from Alex Sogard off the top of the wall and over for a three-run homer in the top of the fourth, his fourth home run of the season. Riding home on the shot were Pat Irvine and Adams who had both walked.
With one away and a runner on second in the bottom of the seventh, Chris Schaeffer drove a 1-2 pitch deep to left for his third home run of the year. The blast also pulled the Wolfpack within two at 5-3.
In the bottom of the ninth, pinch-hitter John Gianis was plunked with one out before Schaeffer drew a walk with two away. Pinch-hitter Dusty Quattlebaum followed by tapping a ball back to Thomas Girdwood who threw him out at first for the final out of the game.
Reichenbach allowed three runs, two of which were earned, while improving to 2-0 on the year. He scattered four hits and struck out four. Girdwood picked up his fifth save of the season.
Zak Sinclair (1-1) took the loss for State after giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits in 2.0 innings.
Harrilchak finished a triple shy of the cycle, but extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games and has now reach safely in 47 consecutive contests. Six of Elon's nine starters had a hit on the night.
Schaeffer went 1-for-3 with a run and two RBI to pace State.
Elon returns to SoCon action by playing host to Furman beginning with a 6 p.m. game on Friday night from Latham Park.
-- ELON --