WHEN: 7 p.m. today WHERE: Doak Field, Raleigh

PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUPS

JAKE BUCHANAN

N.C. State * fr. * RHP * 2-2 * 3.10

NCSU coach Elliott Avent is going with a freshman instead of junior righty Clayton Shunick or junior lefty Eric Surkamp. He said he likes Buchanan's competitiveness, saying, "He's a real bulldog."

KYLE HOFFMAN

James Madison * so. * RHP * 6-4 * 6.28

JMU coach Spanky McFarland played it coy Thursday and did not announce his starter, saying the Dukes might use as many as six pitchers today, if needed. Junior Kurt Houck, 7-2 with a 4.86 ERA, is another possible starter.

FAST PITCHES

* With sophomore Jimmy Gillheeney ruled out of NCAA play, NCSU plans to use senior righty Eryk McConnell as the closer. The Pack had only two blown saves during the regular season.

* Many expect South Carolina first baseman Justin Smoak to be a top-10 pick in the Major League Baseball draft this year. The junior is hitting .377 with 21 homers.

* Charlotte's bullpen has given up only three earned runs in the past 34 2/3 innings and has not given up an earned run in eight of the 49ers' past 10 games.