Sophomore Michael Smiciklas singled with two outs in the top of the ninth inning to drive in sophomore Jack Labosky from third base and closer Mitch Stallings pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings to push the Blue Devils past No. 12 N.C. State 2-1 Sunday afternoon at Doak Field at Dail Park.
Three weeks to the day after Duke swept Virginia on the Cavaliers' home courts, a rain-delayed and relocated rematch brought a much different outcome.
The Blue Devils dropped the first five singles matches after conceding the doubles point, and head into the postseason having lost four in a row, including three to teams ranked in the top seven in the country.
One night after scoring 13 runs in a win at Davidson, timely hitting carried Duke to their third straight win. The Blue Devils won their third straight game and ninth out of their last 11 in a 3-0 victory against N.C.
Duke right-hander Brian McAfee threw a 108-pitch complete game to carry the Blue Devils to a 2-1 victory against No. 21 Clemson Sunday, allowing just nine total baserunners and striking out six.
The Chronicle previews all 68 teams in this year's NCAA tournament field.
The Chronicle previews all 68 teams in this year's NCAA tournament field.
Griffin Conine slapped the ball just inside first base, and moments later found himself being mobbed by teammates between first and second, having just delivered the Blue Devils' second game-ending hit in less than 24 hours.
Ashleigh Shanley held onto the wall, tears streaming down her face. She had managed to finish the race, but the pain was unbearable.
After an early setback, Duke rallied to post one of its most impressive performances of the young season, sweeping Fresno State and No. 9 Texas A&M.
