March 24, 2026, will be remembered in Winston-Salem as the day the Wake Forest Demon Deacons delivered a resounding statement on the baseball diamond, dismantling in-state rival Elon University with a decisive 10-1 victory. This wasn't just another win; it was a performance that underscored Wake Forest's burgeoning reputation as a national powerhouse and provided a clear indicator of their championship aspirations for the 2026 season. [1, 2]
The Demon Deacons, currently ranked No. 24, improved their season record to an impressive 18-7 (4-5 ACC), while Elon, standing at 10-14 (3-6 CAA), faced a tough end to their nine-game road trip. [5, 6]
Wake Forest baseball has been on an undeniable upward trajectory in recent years. After a historic 2023 season that saw them reach the College World Series for the first time since 1955 and earn a national No. 1 ranking, the Demon Deacons entered the 2024 season as the preseason favorites to win the national championship. [9, 10]
Their sustained success is a testament to Head Coach Tom Walter, who took the helm in 2010 and has steadily built the program into a perennial contender. The team has consistently attracted top talent, exemplified by the 2024 MLB Draft where three Demon Deacons were selected in the top 10 picks, a feat achieved by only one other school in draft history. [12, 13] Players like Nick Kurtz, Chase Burns, and Seaver King have highlighted the caliber of athletes developing within the Wake Forest system. [12]
This sustained excellence, combined with a robust recruiting pipeline and strategic use of the transfer portal, ensures that Wake Forest remains a formidable presence in college baseball year after year.
Elon Phoenix: A Program with Grit and History
Across the state, the Elon Phoenix baseball program, led by veteran Head Coach Mike Kennedy since 1997, boasts a proud history and a reputation for competitiveness, particularly against ACC opponents. The Phoenix have demonstrated their ability to pull off upsets, notching signature wins against top-10 ranked Wake Forest teams in both 2023 (5-3) and 2024 (3-0). [5, 16]
Elon competes in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), a conference that has grown increasingly competitive, featuring multiple NCAA Tournament teams. While the Phoenix experienced a 25-32 (13-14 CAA) season in 2025, they were projected to contend in the 2026 CAA preseason poll, indicating their potential to bounce back. [5, 17] Key players like outfielder Brian DuRoff and closer RJ Latkowski have emerged as significant contributors for Elon in the 2026 season. [5, 2]
The 10-1 final score, ending in seven innings due to the mercy rule, tells a story of Wake Forest's comprehensive dominance. From the opening pitch at David F. Couch Ballpark, it was clear the Demon Deacons were locked in, showcasing a powerful offense and an impenetrable pitching staff. [20, 1]
Wake Forest's bats were alive, accumulating 12 hits and scoring in five of the seven innings played. Sophomore second baseman Dalton Wentz was a standout, hitting a two-run home run in the third inning, his seventh of the season, and following it up with a two-run double in the seventh, driving in four runs in total. [19, 20] Other key offensive contributors included junior third baseman Kade Lewis, who recorded his 12th multi-hit game of the season, scoring three runs, and sophomore designated hitter Jackson Miller and freshman right fielder Andrew Costello, both of whom added two hits and runs. [19, 20]
The Demon Deacons' pitching staff delivered a combined one-hit effort, stifling Elon's offense throughout the game. Sophomore right-hander Duncan Marsten, making his first win of the season, was exceptional, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing only one hit and one run while striking out five batters. He maintained a no-hitter through the first 13 outs of the game. [19, 20]
Freshman reliever Marcelo Harsch closed out the game dramatically, striking out all five batters he faced after entering with the bases loaded in the sixth inning, setting a new career high and preserving the dominant victory. This marked Wake Forest's second consecutive one-hitter in midweek games, underscoring the depth and talent of their pitching rotation and bullpen. [1]
While specific play-by-play for a future game is not available, the aggregate statistics from the game would likely reflect the following, based on the reported 10-1 score and 12-hit performance by Wake Forest, and the one-hit effort by their pitching staff.:
| Team |
Runs |
Hits |
Errors |
Left on Base |
| Wake Forest |
10 |
12 |
0 |
7 |
| Elon |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
For Wake Forest, this emphatic victory is more than just another notch in the win column; it's a significant morale booster and a clear signal to the rest of the ACC and national college baseball landscape. Coming off a series loss at Virginia where they dropped two of three, this midweek rout provides a crucial reset and builds momentum as they head into tougher conference matchups. [21, 20] It reinforces their identity as a team capable of both offensive firepower and shutdown pitching, qualities essential for deep postseason runs.
For Elon, the loss, while disappointing, can serve as a valuable learning experience. Facing an elite program like Wake Forest, even in a lopsided defeat, exposes areas for improvement and can galvanize a team to refine their approach. Elon has shown the ability to compete with ranked opponents, and their focus will undoubtedly shift to conference play within the CAA, where they aim to climb the standings. [5, 8]
While we celebrate the immediate heroes of this game, it's worth reflecting on the broader impact of key players who continue to shape these programs.
Wake Forest:
- Pitching Depth: Beyond Duncan Marsten and Marcelo Harsch's stellar performances, Wake Forest's continuous development of high-caliber arms, bolstered by transfers, is a cornerstone of their success. The team consistently leads in categories like strikeouts and ERA, a trend expected to continue. [9, 21]
- Offensive Consistency: Players like Nick Kurtz, even if not specifically mentioned in this particular game's brief recap, represent the consistent power threats that define Wake Forest's lineup. The team's ability to get on base and hit for power remains a defining characteristic. [9, 12]
Elon:
- Brian DuRoff (Outfielder): DuRoff has been a consistent offensive presence for the Phoenix, leading the team in RBIs and reaching base in a majority of games.
- RJ Latkowski (Closer): An emerging talent, Latkowski has been one of college baseball's top closers, boasting an impressive ERA and multiple saves, highlighting Elon's ability to lock down games when they get a lead.
- Owen Winebarger (Left-Handed Pitcher): Earning CAA Co-Pitcher of the Week honors, Winebarger has demonstrated strong outings for the Phoenix.
This game also underscores broader trends in college baseball. The increasing offensive numbers across the NCAA have made pitching depth more critical than ever, and Wake Forest's ability to combine dominant starting pitching with a strong bullpen is a significant advantage. [1, 22] Furthermore, the impact of the transfer portal allows teams like Wake Forest to quickly retool and maintain their competitive edge, while mid-major programs like Elon continue to develop talent and seek opportunities to challenge top-tier opponents. [9, 14]
For Wake Forest, this decisive win provides a strong foundation as they navigate the rigorous ACC schedule. Their sights remain firmly set on a deep postseason run, with hopes of returning to Omaha and contending for a national championship. The upcoming schedule will undoubtedly feature more high-stakes matchups that will test their mettle.
Elon, despite the loss, will look to learn from this experience and refocus on their CAA conference play. Their goal will be to string together wins and position themselves for a strong showing in the CAA Tournament, with the ultimate aim of securing an NCAA Regional berth. The Phoenix have a history of competing well within their conference, and this game, while a setback, doesn't diminish their season aspirations entirely. [15, 5]
The March 24, 2026, contest between Wake Forest and Elon was a clear display of the Demon Deacons' current prowess in college baseball. A commanding 10-1 victory, characterized by a potent offense and exceptional pitching, not only secures a significant win over an in-state foe but also sends a powerful message to the rest of the nation. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Wake Forest as they continue their pursuit of national glory, while Elon will use this experience to fuel their drive for success within the CAA. The beauty of college baseball lies in its unpredictability and the resilience of its teams, and both programs will undoubtedly continue to contribute to the sport's compelling narrative.
- godeacs.com
- elonphoenix.com
- theacc.com
- elonphoenix.com
- elonphoenix.com
- d1baseball.com
- d1baseball.com
- caasports.com
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