In a thrilling College World Series opener, the NC State baseball team suffered a heartbreaking loss to Kentucky, falling 5-4 in extra innings. After a late comeback by the Wolfpack, they ultimately succumbed to a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth and a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th.

NC State started the game with a promising opportunity in the first inning, putting two runners on base, but was unable to score. On the other hand, Kentucky capitalized on an error, with Emilien Pitre advancing on a throwing error and eventually scoring on a single by Nick Lopez, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.

The Wolfpack once again had a chance to strike in the second inning, loading the bases but failing to bring any runs home. Kentucky's pitcher managed to get out of the jam with a pair of groundouts, preserving the one-run advantage.

However, in the top of the third inning, NC State finally found the scoreboard. Garrett Pennington led off with a single and was driven home by a single from Jacob Cozart, tying the game at 1-1.

Both teams remained deadlocked until the bottom of the fourth inning when Kentucky's Ryan Nicholson started with a single and Nolan McCarthy followed it up with a two-run homer, giving the Wildcats a 3-1 lead.

After the fourth inning, NC State's pitcher, Sam Highfill, settled into a dominant rhythm, retiring 12 consecutive Kentucky hitters. The Wolfpack offense also made a late surge, as Alec Makarewicz blasted a two-run homer in the seventh inning to tie the game once again.

Both teams had opportunities in the later innings, but stellar pitching and defensive plays kept the score at 3-3, forcing the game into extra innings. Unfortunately for NC State, Kentucky managed to hit a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth and a walk-off home run in the 10th, sealing their victory with a final score of 5-4.

NC State will have a chance at redemption in their next game scheduled for Monday against the loser of the Texas A&M versus Florida matchup. As they reflect on a tough loss, the Wolfpack will look to regroup and bounce back in the upcoming game, hoping to advance further in the College World Series.

Despite the disappointment, NC State showed resilience and determination throughout the game, demonstrating their potential to compete at the highest level.