For the first time in 32 years, the UCF Knights will square off with North Carolina State.
And this isn’t just some regular-season matchup like UCF’s 9-2 victory over the Wolfpack in February 1994. No, this is the NCAA baseball tournament.
The Knights (31-21) hold the second seed in the Auburn Regional while N.C. State (32-22) sits on the three line. The winner of the opener will face either Auburn or Milwaukee in its second outing of the double-elimination bracket.
Stream UCF vs. NC State on Fubo (free trial)
First pitch is now set for 7:06 p.m. Friday at Plainsman Park. The contest will air on ESPN2.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal is providing live updates throughout the game. Follow along below.
UCF vs NC State score updates
This section will be updated once the game begins.
NC State starting lineup vs UCF baseball
NC State will counter with sophomore right-hander Anderson Nance in its opening game of the Auburn Regional.
Nance has appeared in 36 games over the last two seasons for the Wolfpack, but made just two starts. He has struck out 53 batters and walked 24 in 45⅔ innings, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.94 ERA.
UCF-NC State first pitch moved to 7:06 p.m.
UCF and NC State are scheduled for a 7:06 p.m. first pitch, though rain in the area surrounding Plainsman Park could eventually produce a weather delay.
According to the National Weather Services, there is a 70% chance of evening precipitation in Auburn. Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 7 p.m. and possibly a separate storm between 7 and 10.
UCF baseball starting lineup vs NC State
Camden Wicker takes the mound for the second straight game for UCF; he allowed four earned runs on six hits with five strikeouts and three walks in four innings against Oklahoma State eight days ago at the Big 12 tournament. The 6-foot-7, 190-pound junior from Viera, an All-Big 12 second-team selection, is 5-3 with a 4.00 ERA for the year.
As for the Knights’ batting order:
UCF vs NC State time today
What channel is UCF vs NC State game on today?
UCF vs. N.C. State will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2. Mark Neely and Gregg Olson will call the game from Plainsman Park in Auburn. Streaming options include ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
UCF vs NC State baseball history
NCAA Tournament predictions for UCF in Auburn Regional
How far will UCF go — Auburn Regional final. With its head coach, Elliott Avent, announcing plans to retire prior to the NCAA Tournament, and its somewhat controversial inclusion despite underwhelming credentials, N.C. State uses some of that us-against-the-world mentality to upset UCF in the opening game. However, the Knights will bounce back with a win over Milwaukee and then send the Wolfpack packing before falling to host Auburn. — Chris Boyle, Daytona Beach News-Journal
How far will UCF go — Auburn Regional final. The Knights have shown an ability to compete on the national stage. They reached No. 12 in the polls during the middle of the season and won seven of their 10 series in the Big 12. But Auburn’s pitching staff ranks fourth in the country with a 3.45 ERA. In a Regional, where every game is crucial, those arms are scary. — Chris Vinel, Daytona Beach News-Journal
Auburn Regional bracket, schedule
Double elimination from Friday-Monday (May 29-June 1) at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Alabama:
Friday’s games
Saturday’s games
Sunday’s games
Monday’s game
* If necessary
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: UCF vs NC State live score updates, highlights, how to watch NCAA baseball game
Reporting by Chris Boyle, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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