ECU Falls to Campbell 3-2, Strikes Out 13 Times in Offensive Struggle
Buies Creek, N.C. – The East Carolina Pirates (2-2) suffered their second loss of the season Tuesday night, falling 3-2 to Campbell at Jim Perry Stadium. ECU’s offense struggled mightily, managing just two hits while striking out 13 times, as the Camels capitalized on late opportunities to secure the win.
Early Pitching Duel and Offensive Struggles
The Pirates failed to generate offense early, going down in order in the first inning as Dixon Williams, Austin Irby, and Colby Wallace were quickly retired. ECU’s struggles continued in the second and third innings, with Campbell’s pitching racking up six strikeouts through the first three frames.
Meanwhile, ECU starter Nick Moran worked around an error in the bottom of the first and avoided damage despite allowing a walk. In the second inning, Moran ran into trouble after surrendering back-to-back singles, followed by a well-placed bunt single that loaded the bases with no outs. The Pirates turned to reliever Ethan Young, who allowed a sacrifice fly, giving Campbell a 1-0 lead, but limited the damage by retiring the next two batters.
ECU Breaks Through in the Fourth
After being hitless through three innings, the Pirates finally got on the board in the top of the fourth. Colby Wallace worked a walk, and Jack Herring reached on an error to put two runners on. Alex Bouche tied the game with an RBI groundout, and Nick Parham followed with a sacrifice groundout, bringing in another run to give ECU a 2-1 lead.
Missed Opportunities Prove Costly
Despite taking the lead, ECU continued to struggle at the plate. The Pirates’ first hit didn’t come until the fifth inning, when Kenan Bowman broke up the no-hitter with a single. Austin Irby followed with a double, putting runners on second and third with one out. However, ECU failed to bring them home, a missed opportunity that would loom large in the later innings.
Meanwhile, Campbell kept applying pressure. In the bottom of the fifth, ECU turned to Lance Williams out of the bullpen. Williams struggled with command, hitting two consecutive batters to start the inning. Despite the rough start, he managed to escape without allowing a run, striking out two to preserve the Pirates’ one-run lead.
Campbell Rallies in the Seventh
In the bottom of the seventh, Williams hit another batter to lead off the inning, prompting ECU to bring in Brad Purrett. Campbell executed in the clutch, plating two runs in the frame to take a 3-2 lead, putting ECU on its heels late in the game.
ECU’s Comeback Falls Short
Despite their struggles, the Pirates had chances to tie the game. In the eighth inning, ECU got a runner on but failed to advance him into scoring position. Campbell’s bullpen closed the door in the ninth, retiring the Pirates in order to seal the victory.
Final Stats and Takeaways
ECU Offense: 2-for-27 (.074), 13 strikeouts, 2 walks
ECU Pitching: Allowed 3 runs on 5 hits, 6 strikeouts, 3 HBPs
Campbell Offense: 5-for-28 (.179), 3 runs, 4 strikeouts
The Pirates' two-hit performance was their worst offensive showing of the young season. With 13 strikeouts, ECU struggled to make contact and put pressure on Campbell’s defense.
This marks ECU’s fifth straight one-run loss to Campbell since 2023, as the Camels continue to be a thorn in the Pirates’ side.
What’s Next? ECU Prepares for Showdown with UNC
The Pirates won’t have much time to dwell on this loss as they prepare for a crucial early-season three-game series against No. 11 North Carolina this weekend.
Friday: ECU hosts UNC at Clark-LeClair Stadium in Greenville.
Saturday: The two teams face off at Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) in Durham.
Sunday: The series concludes in Chapel Hill at Boshamer Stadium.