Box Score

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Two big innings were key for 17th-ranked North Carolina State as the Wolfpack took a 14-2 decision over the visiting Elon Phoenix on Wednesday night.

Elon (19-16), which started four freshman for the first time this season, played its 10th game of the season against a top-25 opponent.

NC State (22-9) grabbed a 2-0 lead in the second inning thanks to an Elon error and a sacrifice fly. 

The Wolfpack put together a big inning in the fourth.  It all began with a two-out infield single by Trea Turner.  Turner, who finished a homer shy of the cycle, went to second on a Chris Diaz single before the duo pulled off a double steal.  After a walk loaded the bases, Danny Canela singled through the left side to drive in two.  A Ryan Mathews single drove home the third run of the inning ahead of a Tarran Senay double that scored two more as NC State built a 7-0 lead.

State exploded for seven runs in the seventh to finish its scoring for the game.

Elon erased the shutout in the eighth when Ryan Kinsella drilled his fourth homer of the year deep over the wall in right-center.  Scoring on the blast was Alex Swim who had singled.

Andrew MacDonald (4-2) took the loss in his first career start.  He was charged with seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits in 3.2 innings.

Anthony Tzamtzis (3-2) earned the win with two scoreless innings in relief of starter D.J. Thomas who tossed three scoreless frames.

Elon's lone multi-hit night belonged to Blaine Bower who went 2-for-3 as he picked up the first hits of his career in the maroon and gold.

The Phoenix will begin a four-game homestand on Friday evening as Elon welcomes in Towson for a non-league series at Latham Park.  Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.