March 11, 2007
Box Score
RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina State exploded for 13 runs in the fifth inning as it took the series finale against the Maryland baseball team Sunday, 20-3 at Doak Field. The Wolfpack improved to 12-6 on the year (1-2 ACC) as they avoided being swept by the Terrapins (11-4, 2-1), who took two of three this weekend against NC State for the first time in four seasons.
NC State reliever Jimmy Gillheeney (1-1) earned his first win of the season, while starter Kevin Biringer (1-3) took the loss for the Terps.
Leadoff hitter Joe Palumbo drove a home run to right field in the game's very first at-bat to give the Terps a quick 1-0 advantage. The solo shot was Palumbo's team-high third of the season.
The Wolfpack dodged a dangerous situation in the third inning, as the Terps loaded the bases with two outs. However, a wild pitch by starter Jeff Stallings would work in his benefit, as he covered home plate and tagged Palumbo out to end the inning.
From there, the NC State offense took control, scoring two runs in the bottom half of the inning on a pair of sacrifice flies by Ryan Pond and Jeremy Synan to take a 2-1 lead. In the fourth, Ramon Corona capitalized on a stolen base when catcher Chad Durakis's throw scooted into center field. Corona scored from second on the play.
In the fifth inning, the Wolfpack bats opened up as NC State put 13 runs on the board. All nine position players reached base at least once in the frame, as the scoring outburst was capped off by Caleb Mangum's grand slam to right field.
Sophomore Mike Murphy continued to swing the bat well as he led off the sixth with a solo home run to left field. Murphy finished his day 3-4 with one RBI. Catcher Mike Moss blasted his second career home run in the eighth inning to round out the Terrapin scoring.
Maryland will look to bounce back Tuesday with the first of two midweek contests as it hosts James Madison University. First pitch from Shipley Field is set for 4 p.m.
