Burress Stays Red-Hot, Bullpen Locks It Down as Pirates Clinch Series at UAB
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — East Carolina continued its hot streak Thursday night, using timely hitting and clean pitching to take down UAB 5–3 and clinch the weekend series.
With the win, ECU improved to 24–16 overall and 9–5 in American Athletic Conference play, securing its second AAC road series win of the season. The Pirates will now go for their second AAC road sweep on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, having previously swept Rice earlier this year in Houston.
Fast Start, Midgame Execution Get It Done
Dixon Williams got the Pirates on the board early with an RBI single in the top of the first, scoring Braden Burress, who opened the night with one of his four hits.
After UAB tied the game in the fifth with a solo home run, ECU responded with a decisive sixth inning. John Collins and Williams each reached base before Austin Irby drilled a two-run double down the left field line — scoring both and advancing to third on a throwing error to give the Pirates a 3–1 lead.
ECU added to it in the seventh when Williams brought home Burress on a fielder’s choice to make it 4–1. Following a two-run homer by UAB’s Luke Beaver in the bottom half, the Pirates got one final insurance run in the ninth as Burress crossed home plate on a passed ball.
Burress, Williams Lead the Offense
Braden Burress was unstoppable once again, going 4-for-5 with three runs scored, raising his average to .421. He has now totaled eight hits over the last two games and continues to be ECU’s most consistent bat.
Dixon Williams went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run, while Austin Irby delivered the biggest swing of the night with his two-run double in the sixth. ECU tallied nine hits overall, with just one extra-base knock — but made the most of every opportunity.
Pruett and Hunter Hold It Down
Brad Pruett (3–3) tossed 6.1 strong innings, allowing just two runs on two hits. His only blemish was a solo homer in the fifth, but he otherwise kept the Blazers in check.
Nick Moran allowed a two-run shot in the seventh, trimming ECU’s lead to 4–3, but Jake Hunter came in and slammed the door. The right-hander struck out four over 2.2 scoreless innings to earn his second save, retiring the final five UAB hitters he faced.
What’s Next
East Carolina (24–16, 9–5 AAC) looks to complete the sweep when the series wraps up on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. A win would give the Pirates their fourth straight victory and their second AAC road sweep of the season, having also swept Rice earlier in the year