NC State has an outstanding trio of returning stars to build around, but it needs breakout candidates like Devonte Brown to harness their potential in order to make noise again in the ACC.

North Carolina and NC State both clinched big series on a magical day in the Triangle, keeping them atop their respective divisions. Both teams displayed their abundant character in the process.

Freshman catcher Patrick Bailey showed again that he’s a rising star, hitting a big home run to help lead NC State past UNC in a neutral-site rivalry game. It was a good college baseball showcase in a banner year for the state.

Cooper Criswell came out of the bullpen and struck out 13 of the 20 batters he faced for surging North Carolina, which won its first series at Miami since 2008, headlining Saturday’s action.

Evan Edwards homered twice to help NC State overcome a five-run deficit Sunday. His arrival from the juco ranks has made a very good offense even more dangerous.

Brad Debo will help lead a potent NC State lineup, and the Wolfpack will count upon some less proven arms to fill holes alongside its veterans on the mound.