Get ready for an ACC showdown as NC State prepares to host the Duke Blue Devils this weekend. Duke arrives with a clear identity: they love to run. Speed on the basepaths is a hallmark of their game, making every matchup a potential thriller.

Let's break down the Blue Devils. Their recent records show a program in transition but finding its footing: 21-14 (7-8 ACC) in 2026, following stronger 41-21 and 40-20 campaigns in the two prior years. The series kicks off Friday, April 10th at 6:00 PM, with games following on Saturday at 3:00 PM and Sunday at 1:00 PM. All games will be streamed on ACCNX.

Duke's baseball history has seen dramatic shifts. For decades, success was elusive, with only a single winning ACC season between 1964 and 2013. That changed under coach Chris Pollard, who built a powerhouse with multiple NCAA Regional and Super Regional appearances. His departure for Virginia this past offseason threatened to unravel that progress, but Duke made a savvy move by hiring former Wake Forest pitching coach Corey Muscara.

Muscara faced a major challenge immediately, as a significant portion of the roster, including key players like A.J. Gracia and Sam Harris, followed Pollard to Virginia or transferred elsewhere. However, he has adeptly used the transfer portal, particularly targeting high-academic institutions, to rebuild. While the roster isn't without its gaps, the new-look Blue Devils are a solid, well-coached team that plays an aggressive style. This series promises to test NC State's defense and pitching control against one of the conference's most opportunistic squads.