ECU Cruises Past Indiana State with 13-1 Run-Rule Victory in LeClair Classic
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina (4-6) put together one of its most complete performances of the season, dominating Indiana State (5-5) with a 13-1 run-rule victory in seven innings on Saturday night at Clark-LeClair Stadium. Behind a stellar pitching performance from freshman Sean Jenkins and an explosive night at the plate, the Pirates controlled the game from start to finish in the LeClair Classic.
Jenkins Delivers Career Night on the Mound
Freshman right-hander Sean Jenkins (1-0) took the mound for his third career start and delivered in a big way. The rookie fired 6.0 innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six and walking none. Jenkins was sharp from the start, attacking the strike zone and limiting Indiana State’s opportunities.
The only real jam he faced came in the third inning, when a pair of singles and an error loaded the bases with two outs. Jenkins stayed composed, inducing a flyout to escape the inning unscathed. The Sycamores’ lone run came in the sixth, when a two-out RBI single put them on the board, but Jenkins immediately responded with a strikeout to end his night on a high note.
Jenkins' Final Line:
6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 86 P (63 strikes), ERA: 3.00
Out of the bullpen, Gabe Beschloss took over in the seventh and sealed the victory. He worked around a one-out walk to toss a clean inning, forcing a game-ending double play to keep the Sycamores at just four hits on the night.
ECU Team Pitching Totals:
7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 100 P (71 strikes), Team ERA: 3.16
Pirates’ Offense Explodes for 13 Runs
ECU wasted no time establishing control, racking up 11 hits and 13 runs while capitalizing on Indiana State’s pitching struggles.
Key Offensive Moments:
2nd Inning: Walker Barron put ECU on the board with an RBI groundout, scoring Austin Irby, who had walked earlier in the frame.
4th Inning (6-run outburst):
Dixon Williams was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in a run.
Colby Wallace laced a two-RBI single to right field, pushing the lead to 5-0.
Austin Irby added a sacrifice fly to bring home another run.
John Collins launched a two-run home run to cap off the inning and make it an 8-0 game.
6th Inning: The Pirates added two more insurance runs as Roger Vergara smacked an RBI double, followed by an RBI single from Walker Barron to extend the lead to 10-1.
7th Inning (Walk-Off Blast): Austin Irby crushed a three-run homer to right field, invoking the run rule and sealing the 13-1 victory.
Key Offensive Performers:
Dixon Williams: 3-for-4, 3 runs, RBI
Austin Irby: 2-for-3, 3-run HR, 4 RBIs
Colby Wallace: 1-for-3, 3 RBIs
John Collins: 1-for-3, 2-run HR
Walker Barron: 2 RBIs
Looking Ahead: ECU vs. Virginia Tech (Today at 3:30 PM)
The Pirates will wrap up the LeClair Classic today with a 3:30 PM matchup against Virginia Tech (7-1). The Hokies enter the contest as one of the hottest teams in college baseball, bringing a strong offensive attack and a deep pitching staff.
ECU will look to carry Saturday's momentum into Sunday and secure back-to-back non-conference wins before shifting focus to midweek action. First pitch is set for 3:30 PM at Clark-LeClair Stadium.