WINTERVILLE, N.C. — Wake Tech Baseball is off to a winning start after taking two of three games on the road in a set against Pitt this past weekend. It was the first weekend series victory to open the season since the 2018 season. 

Splitting the doubleheader on opening day

The first home run of the season came from sophomore infielder Matthew Cipriano, when he hit a solo shot in the second inning to give the team a 1-0 lead. Cipriano hit five homers a year ago and was a mainstay in the Eagles' lineup. 

Sophomore right-hander Aaron Slep got the start, and worked five solid innings. He finished with just two runs allowed, and only one of them was earned. Slep had the highest innings total last year of any returning pitcher on the Wake Tech staff, and looks to build on a strong freshman campaign. Anthony Michaelis came in to pitch the final two innings and record his first save of the year. 

The win marked the first at the collegiate level for head coach DJ Russ, who took the reigns of the program in June. Game two did not go the Eagles way, with Pitt winning 13-0 in five innings. 

Eagles win the rubber match

Josh Murphy got the ball in game three, going five shutout innings and picking up his first win of the season in a 5-2 victory for the Eagles. 

Blake Gaffney recorded a team-high four RBI in the win, and got the Eagles on the board in the top of the third with a base hit to left, scoring Gustafson. Gaffney went on to hit three sacrifice flies throughout the game.

Additional notes

Gustafson led the team with four hits on the weekend, including one double. He also recorded four walks. 

The team recorded just one error throughout the three games, and it came in the loss on Saturday. Middle infielders Gustafson and Raeder McIntire turned four double plays. 

Upcoming homestand

The Eagles first home game is this Wednesday, February 5 against Richard Bland at 3:00pm. It's the first of eight consecutive home games for the team. Admission is free for all fans at Ting Stadium. Home games will also be streamed on the Wake Tech Eagles YouTube channel.