South Carolina baseball falls 6-4 to NC State. Gamecocks face elimination in NCAA regional

The red and white sea of fans were loud at Doak Field in Raleigh, North Carolina. The sound of “WOLF-PACK” chants echoed.

Per ESPN, 67% of host teams advance to the NCAA super regionals, and 82% of teams who go 2-0 win the region. NC State’s win 6-4 over South Carolina baseball on Saturday put the Wolfpack (35-20) in great position to confirm those odds.

The Gamecocks (37-24) now go to the elimination bracket to face James Madison again on Sunday in the NCAA Raleigh Regional. In order to win the regional, South Carolina has to beat JMU on Sunday, then beat NC State on Sunday night, then again on Monday.

JMU VS USC: Cole Messina home run helps save South Carolina baseball vs James Madison in NCAA regional

NC State baseball sharp against South Carolina

In the sixth, South Carolina was down 4-2 with runners on first and second. Kennedy Jones’ hit had hope but shortstop Brandon Butterworth crushed that dream. Butterworth snagged it, turned and threw to tag Blake Jackson out, for the timely, well-executed double play.

Three pitchers for the Wolfpack struck out nine, allowed four runs and seven hits. NC State had eight hits, six runs and three home runs.

South Carolina baseball starts slow again in NCAA Regional

Through six innings, the Gamecocks only logged two runs, both of which were solo home runs. South Carolina failed to string together consistent offense for the second game in a row. Against JMU on Friday, the Gamecocks only scored once before tying things in the fifth.

South Carolina was 0-for-3 with runners on base by the sixth inning on Saturday. The slow start ultimately plagued the tone of the game, as the Gamecocks weren’t able to climb back into winning as they did Friday.

DETAILS ON PETRY: South Carolina star Ethan Petry out with hairline fracture vs NC State in NCAA regional

Sophomore first baseman and the Gamecocks’ second-best hitter Ethan Petry did not play on Saturday. Coach Mark Kingston said during the game he has a hairline fracture in his left hand.

Cole Messina filled in at first base but Petry’s presence at bat was clearly missed. Petry was originally in the starting lineup but after warmups, was taken out.

Messina, the hero from Friday against JMU, had just one hit against NC State.

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin