Mensik’s Wolfpack Wins College World Series Opener

OMAHA — Brno, Czech Republic native Vojtech Mensik and his North Carolina State Wolfpack defeated the Stanford Cardinal 10-4 in the opening game of the 2021 NCAA Division 1 College World Series on Saturday, June 19.

Mensik went 2-for-5 on the afternoon, with two RBI, and he also reached base by error twice.

The Wolfpack took an an early lead thanks to a Jonny Butler two-run homer in the top half of the first frame, and another run was added in the second when Mensik, playing third base and batting in the eighth spot, scored on a Tyler McDonough single. The Czech sophomore had reached base by error after his third strike was dropped, with the resulting errant throw allowing him to advance to second base.

The Wolfpack tacked on another three runs in the fourth, with Mensik again reaching on an error (E4), though he was later forced out on a fielder’s choice.

Stanford responded with a run in the fourth and three in the seventh to make it 6-4, but the Wolfpack added four insurance runs on four hits and two walks in the ninth to seal the win. One of those hits was a Mensik two-run single, the result of a first-pitch fastball driven through the left side of the infield.

Mensik also added a ground-rule double in the eighth inning.

The Wolfpack now find themselves in the winner’s bracket of Bracket 1 and will match up against the winner of the Vanderbilt vs Arizona contest on Tuesday, June 22, at 1:00 (CEST).

The 2021 NCAA Division I College World Series is available on ESPN Player in selected territories: https://bit.ly/ESPNMisterbaseball. New subscribers enjoy a 7-day free trial.