First multi-homer game for NC State’s Chance Shepard; former Ashley slugger

ELON, NC (NC STATE) — No. 12 NC State baseball ran away from Elon, 23-3 on Tuesday night at Latham Park to win its sixth-consecutive game.

The Wolfpack (24-9) ripped off six hits in a row and had its first eight batters reach to open a 7-0 first inning lead. The barrage marked the most first-inning runs for an NC State squad since scoring 10 against LaSalle on February 19, 2010, and the most in any inning since scoring eight in the eighth against Virginia on May 23, 2015 in last season’s ACC Tournament.

The 24 hits fall three shy of tying the school record, and represent the most since 25 against LaSalle in 2010. The 23 runs are the most since 25 against Wagner on February 24, 2013. NC State scored in every inning but the third, and hung multiple runs in six of nine innings.

Elon (12-20) scored two in the bottom half and one in the second, but the Pack offense would not be deterred. Chance Shepard submitted the first multi-homer game of his career, snapping a home run drought dating back to March 6. Brett Kinneman supplied a career high seven RBIs after entering the game with four for the year, the most in a single game since Matt Bergquist socked seven against UNCW on April 20, 2011. Joe Dunand finished with a career-high four hits.

Wolfpack starter Johnny Piedmonte worked the first three innings, allowing three earned on five hits and two walks, punching out four. Travis Orwig (1-0) scored the win on two innings of one-hit ball, walking one and fanning three. Evan Brabrand made his return to action next, going 1 2/3 with four strikeouts, allowing a walk and a hit. Sean Adler, Cody Beckman, and Karl Keglovits worked the last 2 1/3.

NC State returns to action Friday for the first of three at Georgia Tech on ESPN3. Radio duties will be handled by 88.1 WKNC. Fans can follow along with live stats on GoPack.com, or Twitter updates via @NCStateBaseball.