Saturday, April 22
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Wake Forest University
33-6, 15-4
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All-Around Team Performance By No. 2 Wake Forest Evens Series at Pitt
4/22/2023 8:53:00 PM | Baseball
The Deacs produced the second-highest scoring conference game in program history and its highest-scoring game since its 27-7 win at Georgia Tech on March 19, 2022.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Behind a program-record 17 combined RBIs from Nick Kurtz and Justin Johnson as well as another stellar start from Rhett Lowder, the second-ranked Wake Forest baseball team evened its seventh ACC series of the season with a 23-4 win on Saturday afternoon against Pitt.
The Deacs (33-6, 15-4 ACC) produced the second-highest scoring conference game in program history and its highest-scoring game since its 27-7 win at Georgia Tech on March 19, 2022.
Overall, this marked the 13th time in program history Wake Forest has scored at least 20 runs in an ACC game.
The 19-run victory is the third-largest margin of victory in an ACC game, trailing Wake Forest's 21-run win at Georgia Tech on April 16, 1999 and Wake Forest's 20-run victory at Georgia Tech last season.
Kurtz and Johnson's 17 combined RBIs are the most by a Demon Deacon duo in a single game ever.
Individually, Kurtz's nine RBIs are tied for the second-most runs driven in by a Wake Forest batter ever, joining Chris Lanzilli (2019), Gavin Sheets (2017), Warren Sawkiw (1990) and Paul Reinisch (1989) as the only Deacs to drive in nine or more runs in a game.
Overall, the Lancaster, Pa. native tallied a three-run home run, two-RBI double and a pair of two-RBI singles.
Johnson finished the game a double shy of the cycle as the Glen Gardner, N.J. native launched two home runs for the second-straight weekend, highlighted by his second inning grand slam. Additionally, Johnson registered a two-RBI triple, RBI-single and solo home run.
Rhett Lowder continued to deal on the mound as the reigning ACC Pitcher of the Year earned his eighth win of his junior season. Lowder is one of four pitchers in the nation and the only ACC hurler with a perfect 8-0 record this season.
Lowder tossed 6.2 innings, striking out seven and allowing just three hits and two walks. The Albemarle, N.C. native retired 10 straight Panthers to open his start and allowed just one baserunner to reach scoring position.
Nine Demon Deacons combined for a season-high 21 hits as Tommy Hawke, Lucas Costello, Pierce Bennett, Adam Cecere and Marek Houston joined Kurtz and Johnson with multi-hit performances.
Wake Forest scored in every inning, highlighted by multiple runs in the first five frames of the contest.
William Ray, Joe Ariola, Ben Shenosky and Zach Johnston combined to allow just two hits over the final seven outs of the game.
How It Happened
"It was a better day than yesterday. Yesterday was one of those days where nothing went right. Today was a day where everything went right. That's baseball. Any time you have Rhett Lowder on the mound you feel good about your chance to win. JJ and Nick Kurtz. You can't have a better day than those two guys had. 12 of our first 16 runs were with two outs so I was really happy about that. We've been struggling a bit with men on base and runners in scoring position and today was the opposite. The best news is we got to save our bullpen. We have Massey fresh. We have Minacci fresh. We have Roland fresh. We have Josh Hartle starting. We're in good shape to win a critical series on the road."
Standout Stats
The Deacs produced the second-highest scoring conference game in program history and its highest-scoring game since its 27-7 win at Georgia Tech on March 19, 2022.
Overall, this marked the 13th time in program history Wake Forest has scored at least 20 runs in an ACC game.
20 Runs or More in an ACC Game
Wake Forest has outscored opponents by double-digits in eight innings this season.
Wake Forest Scoring Summary by Inning (Wake Forest-Opponent)
Saturday marked the 24th game the Deacs found the scoreboard, posting a 21-3 record in those games. Additionally, the Deacs are 23-3 when they score first.
Much of Wake Forest's success has been fast starts as the Deacs have outscored opponents by a mark of 151-39 in the opening three innings.
Wake Forest extended its lead to 9-0 after a six-run second inning, its 12th frame this season with at least five runs.
Nick Kurtz and Justin Johnson led Wake Forest's offensive eruption on Saturday, combining for eight hits, 17 RBIs, three home runs, one double and one triple.
The duos' 17 combined RBIs are the most by a Wake Forest pair in a single game ever.
Individually, Kurtz's nine RBIs are tied for the second-most runs driven in by a Wake Forest batter ever, joining Chris Lanzilli (2019), Gavin Sheets (2017), Warren Sawkiw (1990) and Paul Reinisch (1989) as the only Deacs to drive in nine or more runs in a game.
Overall, the Lancaster, Pa. native tallied a three-run home run, two-RBI double and a pair of two-RBI singles.
Johnson finished the game a double shy of the cycle as the Glen Gardner, N.J. native launched two home runs for the second-straight weekend, highlighted by his second inning grand slam. Additionally, Johnson registered a two-RBI triple, RBI-single and solo home run.
Single Game RBIs
10, Chris Lanzilli vs. Boston College (3.17.19)
9, Nick Kurtz vs. Pitt (4.22.23)
9, Gavin Sheets vs. Southern Cal (2.24.17)
9, Warren Sawkiw vs. E. Tenn. St. (3.22.90)
9, Paul Reinish vs. Radford (4.24.89)
8, Justin Johnson vs. Pitt (4.22.23)
8, Brock Wilken vs. Louisville (5.7.22)
8, Danny Borrell vs. Liberty (5.13.99)
8, Billy Masse vs. Liberty (3.25.88)
8, Bill Merrifield vs. Wingate (4.13.82)
Reigning ACC Pitcher of the Year Rhett Lowder earned his eighth win of 2023 and the 23rd victory of his career after throwing 6.2 innings, striking out seven and allowing just three hits and two walks.
The Albemarle, N.C. native retired 10 straight Panthers to open his start and allowed just one baserunner to reach scoring position.
This season, the Reigning ACC Pitcher of the Year has accumulated a 1.72 ERA in 62.2 innings to go along with 74 strikeouts.
Lowder is one of four pitchers in the nation and the only ACC hurler with an 8-0 record this season.
The Saturday performance helped Lowder move into a tie with Eric Schmitt (1997-00) for the eighth-most career wins by a Demon Deacon ever
Wake Forest Career Wins
1. John Hendricks (1996-99)- 34
2. Kyle Sleeth (2001-03)- 31
3. Frank Humber (1986-89)- 29
4. Parker Dunshee (2014-17)- 28
5. Scott Siemon (1998-01)- 25
Mike MacDougal (1997-99)- 25
7. Marc Palmieri (1990-93)- 24
8. Rhett Lowder (2021-Pres.)- 23
Eric Schmitt (1997-00)- 23
10. Warren Newton (1978-81)-22
Moe Bauer (1947-50)- 22
Additionally, Lowder continues to move up on Wake Forest's career strikeout list. With his seven strikeouts on Saturday, Lowder took sole possession of the seventh most punchouts by a Wake Forest pitcher ever. He is just nine strikeouts away from joining Frank Humber (1986-89) for the sixth-most strikeouts in program history.
Wake Forest Career Strikeouts
1. Parker Dunshee 2014-17 330
2. John Hendricks1996-99 312
3. Mike MacDougal1997-99 288
4. Buddy Jenkins 1987-91 277
5. Kyle Sleeth 2001-03 271
6. Frank Humber 1986-89 266
7. Rhett Lowder 2021-Pres 257
8. Ross Atkins 1992-95 250
9. Dave Bush 1999-02 249
10. Tim Cooney 2010-12 235
Mike Buddie 1990-92 235
Dating back to last season, Lowder has allowed three earned runs or less in 25 of his last 27 starts and has gone at least six innings in 18 starts.
On Deck
The rubber match between the Deacs and Panthers is set for a 1 p.m. first pitch on Sunday, April 23 on ACC Network Extra.
Follow The Deacs:
GoDeacs.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
The Deacs (33-6, 15-4 ACC) produced the second-highest scoring conference game in program history and its highest-scoring game since its 27-7 win at Georgia Tech on March 19, 2022.
Overall, this marked the 13th time in program history Wake Forest has scored at least 20 runs in an ACC game.
The 19-run victory is the third-largest margin of victory in an ACC game, trailing Wake Forest's 21-run win at Georgia Tech on April 16, 1999 and Wake Forest's 20-run victory at Georgia Tech last season.
Kurtz and Johnson's 17 combined RBIs are the most by a Demon Deacon duo in a single game ever.
Individually, Kurtz's nine RBIs are tied for the second-most runs driven in by a Wake Forest batter ever, joining Chris Lanzilli (2019), Gavin Sheets (2017), Warren Sawkiw (1990) and Paul Reinisch (1989) as the only Deacs to drive in nine or more runs in a game.
Overall, the Lancaster, Pa. native tallied a three-run home run, two-RBI double and a pair of two-RBI singles.
Johnson finished the game a double shy of the cycle as the Glen Gardner, N.J. native launched two home runs for the second-straight weekend, highlighted by his second inning grand slam. Additionally, Johnson registered a two-RBI triple, RBI-single and solo home run.
Rhett Lowder continued to deal on the mound as the reigning ACC Pitcher of the Year earned his eighth win of his junior season. Lowder is one of four pitchers in the nation and the only ACC hurler with a perfect 8-0 record this season.
Lowder tossed 6.2 innings, striking out seven and allowing just three hits and two walks. The Albemarle, N.C. native retired 10 straight Panthers to open his start and allowed just one baserunner to reach scoring position.
Nine Demon Deacons combined for a season-high 21 hits as Tommy Hawke, Lucas Costello, Pierce Bennett, Adam Cecere and Marek Houston joined Kurtz and Johnson with multi-hit performances.
Wake Forest scored in every inning, highlighted by multiple runs in the first five frames of the contest.
William Ray, Joe Ariola, Ben Shenosky and Zach Johnston combined to allow just two hits over the final seven outs of the game.
How It Happened
- Wake Forest jumped out to a 3-0 lead on two hits, a walk and a fielding error in the top of the first.
- Tommy Hawke pushed a leadoff single through the left before Lucas Costello laid down a sacrifice bunt to get the sophomore in scoring position.
- After a fielder's choice put runners on the corners with two outs, Pierce Bennett reached base following a fielding error and pushed across Hawke.
- Justin Johnson cleared the bases with a two-RBI triple off the right field wall.
- Lowder posted a shutdown inning to open his start, retiring Pitt in order with a strikeout, fly out and pop up in foul territory.
- Wake Forest extended its lead to 9-0 after a six-run second inning, its 12th frame this season with at least five runs.
- Nick Kurtz got the scoring started in the inning with a two-RBI double, scoring Adam Cecere (walk) and Lucas Costello (hit by pitch).
- After an intentional walk to Brock Wilken, Bennett tallied a single through the left side to load the bases. Johnson notched his second grand slam of the season to clear the bases and cap off a big offensive inning.
- Lowder once again retired the side in order to end the second to post up another shutdown frame.
- After forcing a pop up in shallow right center field for the opening out, Lowder punched out his second batter of the game for the second out.
- Lowder stopped a liner straight back to the mound and tossed it to Kurtz for the third and final out.
- Another big inning from the Wake Forest offense in the top of the third extended its lead to 13-0 as Kurtz launched a three-run home run to right field and Johnson tallied an RBI-single, his seventh run driven in of the day.
- Lowder kept Pitt off the base path again to end the third, highlighted by back-to-back strikeouts to end the frame.
- Kurtz drove in his sixth and seventh runs of the day with a two-RBI double to the left field gap, scoring Cecere (double) and Hawke (single) and extending the Demon Deacon advantage to 15-0.
- Pitt drew a walk with one out in the bottom of the fourth, its first base runner of the game. A double play on a liner to Kurtz at first helped Lowder tally his fourth-straight zero.
- A pair of run-scoring hits from Costello and Kurtz in the top of the fifth extended Wake Forest's lead to 19-0.
- Pitt got on the scoreboard with a solo home run with one out. After a walk, Lowder induced a double play to Kurtz at first base to end the inning.
- With runners on the corners, Marek Houston notched an RBI with a sacrifice fly to center field to increase the Demon Deacon advantage to 20-1.
- Johnson singled to lead off the inning before Lee walked. A fly out moved Johnson to third and allowed the redshirt junior to score on Houston's RBI.
- Lowder notched another perfect 1-2-3 frame to end the sixth as the right hander forced Pitt into a ground out and fly out before fanning his seventh batter of the game.
- Costello launched Wake Forest's third homer of the game to lead off the top of the seventh as Wake Forest took a 21-1 lead into the bottom of the seventh.
- Pitt responded with a solo home run of their own to make it a 20-2 ballgame.
- William Ray took over on the mound with two outs. The Mars, Pa. native induced an inning-ending fly out to center field to escape a bases loaded jam.
- Three consecutive hits, highlighted by a Kyle Joye pinch-hit RBI-single, gave Wake Forest a 22-2 advantage at the conclusion of the top of the eighth.
- Ray forced back-to-back lineouts to open the bottom of the inning before Joe Ariola induced a fly out with runners on the corners for a scoreless frame.
- Johnson hammered Wake Forest's fourth long fly of the game with one out in the top of the ninth to extend Wake Forest's lead to 21 (23-2).
- Pitt pushed across two runs in the bottom of the ninth. Zach Johnston took over on the mound and fanned a Pitt batter for the final out of the game as Wake Forest evened the series with a 23-4 victory.
"It was a better day than yesterday. Yesterday was one of those days where nothing went right. Today was a day where everything went right. That's baseball. Any time you have Rhett Lowder on the mound you feel good about your chance to win. JJ and Nick Kurtz. You can't have a better day than those two guys had. 12 of our first 16 runs were with two outs so I was really happy about that. We've been struggling a bit with men on base and runners in scoring position and today was the opposite. The best news is we got to save our bullpen. We have Massey fresh. We have Minacci fresh. We have Roland fresh. We have Josh Hartle starting. We're in good shape to win a critical series on the road."
Standout Stats
The Deacs produced the second-highest scoring conference game in program history and its highest-scoring game since its 27-7 win at Georgia Tech on March 19, 2022.
Overall, this marked the 13th time in program history Wake Forest has scored at least 20 runs in an ACC game.
20 Runs or More in an ACC Game
- at Pitt (April 22, 2023) - W, 23-4
- at Boston College (April 2, 2022) - W, 20-8
- at Georgia Tech (March 19, 2022) - W, 27-7
- vs. Pitt (April 13, 2019) - W, 20-8
- vs. Maryland (May 24, 2005) - W, 20-13*
- vs. Maryland (April 23, 2004) - W, 21-16
- at Maryland (April 27, 2001) - W, 20-3
- at Georgia Tech (April 16, 1999) - W, 22-1
- vs. Maryland (April 9, 1994) - W, 20-6
- vs. Duke (April 5, 1988) - W, 21-4
- at Georgia Tech (April 4, 1981) - L, 20-21
- vs. Clemson (April 24, 1976) - W, 22-9
- vs. Clemson (May 4, 1962) - W, 20-4*
Wake Forest has outscored opponents by double-digits in eight innings this season.
Wake Forest Scoring Summary by Inning (Wake Forest-Opponent)
- First Inning: 67-13
- Second Inning: 32-16
- Third Inning: 56-12
- Fourth Inning: 51-15
- Fifth Inning: 57-22
- Sixth Inning: 25-10
- Seventh Inning: 31-9
- Eighth Inning: 31-16
- Ninth Inning: 6-11
Saturday marked the 24th game the Deacs found the scoreboard, posting a 21-3 record in those games. Additionally, the Deacs are 23-3 when they score first.
Much of Wake Forest's success has been fast starts as the Deacs have outscored opponents by a mark of 151-39 in the opening three innings.
Wake Forest extended its lead to 9-0 after a six-run second inning, its 12th frame this season with at least five runs.
- Youngstown State (Feb. 17): Six runs (second inning)
- Youngstown State (Feb. 19): 12 runs (fourth inning)
- UNCG (Feb. 21): Eight runs (first inning)
- Mount St. Mary's (Feb. 24): Six runs (fifth inning)
- Towson (Feb. 25): Five runs (third inning)
- Towson (Feb. 25: Five runs (eighth inning)
- UNC Wilmington (Feb. 28): Five runs (first inning)
- Elon (March 21): Seven runs (first inning)
- Elon (March 21): Seven runs (fifth inning)
- App State (April 11): Five runs (fifth inning)
- Louisville (April 14): Five runs (third inning)
- Pitt (April 22): Six runs (second inning)
Nick Kurtz and Justin Johnson led Wake Forest's offensive eruption on Saturday, combining for eight hits, 17 RBIs, three home runs, one double and one triple.
The duos' 17 combined RBIs are the most by a Wake Forest pair in a single game ever.
Individually, Kurtz's nine RBIs are tied for the second-most runs driven in by a Wake Forest batter ever, joining Chris Lanzilli (2019), Gavin Sheets (2017), Warren Sawkiw (1990) and Paul Reinisch (1989) as the only Deacs to drive in nine or more runs in a game.
Overall, the Lancaster, Pa. native tallied a three-run home run, two-RBI double and a pair of two-RBI singles.
Johnson finished the game a double shy of the cycle as the Glen Gardner, N.J. native launched two home runs for the second-straight weekend, highlighted by his second inning grand slam. Additionally, Johnson registered a two-RBI triple, RBI-single and solo home run.
Single Game RBIs
10, Chris Lanzilli vs. Boston College (3.17.19)
9, Nick Kurtz vs. Pitt (4.22.23)
9, Gavin Sheets vs. Southern Cal (2.24.17)
9, Warren Sawkiw vs. E. Tenn. St. (3.22.90)
9, Paul Reinish vs. Radford (4.24.89)
8, Justin Johnson vs. Pitt (4.22.23)
8, Brock Wilken vs. Louisville (5.7.22)
8, Danny Borrell vs. Liberty (5.13.99)
8, Billy Masse vs. Liberty (3.25.88)
8, Bill Merrifield vs. Wingate (4.13.82)
Reigning ACC Pitcher of the Year Rhett Lowder earned his eighth win of 2023 and the 23rd victory of his career after throwing 6.2 innings, striking out seven and allowing just three hits and two walks.
The Albemarle, N.C. native retired 10 straight Panthers to open his start and allowed just one baserunner to reach scoring position.
This season, the Reigning ACC Pitcher of the Year has accumulated a 1.72 ERA in 62.2 innings to go along with 74 strikeouts.
Lowder is one of four pitchers in the nation and the only ACC hurler with an 8-0 record this season.
The Saturday performance helped Lowder move into a tie with Eric Schmitt (1997-00) for the eighth-most career wins by a Demon Deacon ever
Wake Forest Career Wins
1. John Hendricks (1996-99)- 34
2. Kyle Sleeth (2001-03)- 31
3. Frank Humber (1986-89)- 29
4. Parker Dunshee (2014-17)- 28
5. Scott Siemon (1998-01)- 25
Mike MacDougal (1997-99)- 25
7. Marc Palmieri (1990-93)- 24
8. Rhett Lowder (2021-Pres.)- 23
Eric Schmitt (1997-00)- 23
10. Warren Newton (1978-81)-22
Moe Bauer (1947-50)- 22
Additionally, Lowder continues to move up on Wake Forest's career strikeout list. With his seven strikeouts on Saturday, Lowder took sole possession of the seventh most punchouts by a Wake Forest pitcher ever. He is just nine strikeouts away from joining Frank Humber (1986-89) for the sixth-most strikeouts in program history.
Wake Forest Career Strikeouts
1. Parker Dunshee 2014-17 330
2. John Hendricks1996-99 312
3. Mike MacDougal1997-99 288
4. Buddy Jenkins 1987-91 277
5. Kyle Sleeth 2001-03 271
6. Frank Humber 1986-89 266
7. Rhett Lowder 2021-Pres 257
8. Ross Atkins 1992-95 250
9. Dave Bush 1999-02 249
10. Tim Cooney 2010-12 235
Mike Buddie 1990-92 235
Dating back to last season, Lowder has allowed three earned runs or less in 25 of his last 27 starts and has gone at least six innings in 18 starts.
On Deck
The rubber match between the Deacs and Panthers is set for a 1 p.m. first pitch on Sunday, April 23 on ACC Network Extra.
Follow The Deacs:
GoDeacs.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Lowder, Rhett (8-0)
L: EVANS, Logan (2-2)
Batting:
2B: Costello, Lucas 1 ; Kurtz, Nick 1 ; Bennett, Pierce 1 ; Cecere, Adam 1
3B: Johnson, Justin 1
HR: Costello, Lucas 1 ; Kurtz, Nick 1 ; Johnson, Justin 2
RBI: Joye, Kyle 1 ; Costello, Lucas 3 ; Kurtz, Nick 9 ; Johnson, Justin 8 ; Houston, Marek 1
SH: Costello, Lucas 1
SF: Houston, Marek 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Hawke, Tommy 3 ; Costello, Lucas 4 ; Kurtz, Nick 2 ; Wilken, Brock 2 ; Bennett, Pierce 3 ; Johnson, Justin 4 ; Lee, Bennett 1 ; Cecere, Adam 2 ; Noland, Andrew 1 ; Houston, Marek 1
SB: Hawke, Tommy 2
HBP: Costello, Lucas 2
Batting:
2B: FUNK, CJ 1
HR: MARTINEZ, Noah 1 ; HESS, Kyle 1
RBI: DUFF, Sky 1 ; MARTINEZ, Noah 1 ; HESS, Kyle 1 ; LASALA, Anthony 1
Base Running:
RUNS: MARTINEZ, Noah 1 ; HESS, Kyle 1 ; BARTO, Cameron 1 ; LONG III, Johnny 1
Game Leaders
Hitting
AB
6
R
4
H
5
RBI
8
AB
5
R
2
H
4
RBI
9
AB
4
R
3
H
2
RBI
0
lf/cf
AB
3
R
4
H
2
RBI
3
Players Mentioned
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OF/INF
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LHP
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LHP
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OF/INF
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RHP
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RHP
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INF/C
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