On June 10, 2024, at 11:20 PM ET, in Athens, Georgia, Eli Serrano III played a key role in North Carolina State’s 8-5 victory over Georgia. Serrano hit a home run in the sixth inning and made a spectacular catch at the center-field wall in the seventh, helping secure NC State’s fourth trip to the Men’s College World Series.
NC State, with a record of 38-21, will face Kentucky in the opening round game on Saturday. The Wolfpack have been on a hot streak, winning 18 of their last 23 games. They join Florida State, Virginia, and UNC as the fourth ACC team to reach the MCWS this year, tying a conference record set in 2006.
Georgia, which had a record of 43-17, was hoping to make its seventh trip to the MCWS. However, NC State took the lead for good with a 3-2 advantage in the fourth inning. They extended their lead to 6-3 in the seventh inning before securing an 8-5 victory.
Serrano and Makarewicz were key players for NC State, with Serrano going 3-for-4 and Makarewicz finishing with three RBI. Garrett Pennington also contributed with a two-run home run. Georgia’s star player, Charlie Condon, hit his 37th home run of the season in the ninth inning.
NC State’s reliever Derrick Smith earned his eighth save of the season, sealing the victory for the Wolfpack. Georgia’s Zach Harris took the loss after allowing three runs in three innings. This game was filled with exciting moments and solid performances from both teams, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of college baseball.