The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/672211
58 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY BRUCE WINKWORTH W hen Chance and Shane Shepard each hit home runs Feb. 26 vs. Wright State, it marked the first time a pair of brothers had homered in the same game for NC State since Brian and Rob Bark went deep in a 15-6 thrashing of Davidson on March 27, 1990. Shane, a sophomore outfielder/first base- man, went deep against the Raiders first with a two-run blast down the right field line in the second inning, giving the Wolf- pack a 2-1 lead. Wright State surged ahead 10-4 through seven and held on to win the game 10-8, but not before NC State rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth, starting with a leadoff home run to left-cen- ter, courtesy of Chance, a senior who plays catcher, outfield and designated hitter. Two brothers hitting home runs in the same game is a pretty good story. In the case of the Shepards, however, the moment had extra significance. The Shepards' father, Steve Shepard, was a power-hitting first baseman/outfielder for the Wolfpack in 1988 and '89. He also was teammates both years with Brian Bark and has maintained a good friendship with both Barks since. "That was so cool because it was the Barks," Steve said. "I sent out a Tweet right away saying it had all come full circle. It just felt like it was all in the family. It was a really special moment." In the Doak Field clubhouse following the game, media members surrounded both Shane and Chance, looking for quotes. The best, though, came from head coach Elliott Avent. Asked which Shepard had the best power, Avent didn't miss a beat. THE FAMILY BUSINESS Wolfpack Sluggers Chance And Shane Shepard Are Following In Their Father's Footsteps