Learn more

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Through the first four innings, NC State starter Sam Highfill was unhittable. His curveball was clicking and the graduate student fanned four Duke batters in the early going. Highfill’s command seemed to struggle in the fourth with seven straight balls, but he was able to pitch his way out of the inning, appearing to be back in control on the rubber. Once he entered the fifth inning, Highfill’s curveball fell off. Instead of making the Blue Devils look silly with his offspeed, it turned into a home run derby in Uptown Charlotte. Duke’s first hit off Highfill was a solo shot, …