ECU Falls to Kent State in Keith LeClair Classic Opener After Late-Inning Collapse
GREENVILLE, N.C. – In a game that started with strong pitching and early offensive execution, East Carolina (3-6) couldn't hold off a late surge from Kent State, falling 7-5 in the opening game of the 2024 Keith LeClair Classic at Clark-LeClair Stadium.
The Pirates built a lead through six innings, backed by a stellar start from Ethan Norby, but back-to-back three-run home runs by Kent State in the seventh inning proved to be the difference.
Norby Deals in Strong Start
Making his (Xth) start of the season, Norby was dominant for 6.2 innings, allowing just four hits and three runs while striking out nine on 93 pitches. The right-hander had full control early, retiring the first nine batters he faced while keeping Kent State off the board until a two-RBI double in the fourth inning.
Norby responded by retiring the next seven batters before running into trouble in the seventh.
Pirates Build an Early Lead
ECU’s offense was efficient through the first five innings, capitalizing on key opportunities:
Bottom 4th – Colby Wallace tied the game with an RBI double, and John Collins gave the Pirates the lead with a sacrifice fly RBI.
Bottom 5th – The Pirates added two more runs, extending their lead to 4-1.
Seventh-Inning Disaster
ECU was in control until the top of the seventh, when Kent State mounted a game-changing rally. After Norby allowed two runners with two outs, reliever Brad Pruett (0-2) entered but immediately gave up a three-run home run, tying the game 4-4.
Moments later, Gabe Beschloss was brought in but suffered the same fate, allowing another three-run home run, putting Kent State up 7-4.
Jackson DiLorenzo recorded the final out of the inning, while Jake Hunter pitched the final two frames, striking out three and keeping ECU within striking distance.
Pirates Fight Back But Fall Short
Despite the setback, ECU responded in the bottom of the seventh:
Dixon Williams delivered an RBI single, cutting the deficit to 7-5.
A passed ball allowed another run to score, making it 7-5.
The Pirates had a golden opportunity in the ninth inning, with the bases loaded with one out, but John Collins grounded into a game-ending double play, sealing the loss.
ECU Pitching Recap
Ethan Norby: 6.2 innings, 4 hits, 3 earned runs, 1 walk, 9 strikeouts (93 pitches)
Brad Pruett (L, 0-2): 0.0 innings, 3 hits, 3 earned runs, 0 walks, 0 strikeouts (10 pitches)
Gabe Beschloss: 0.0 innings, 1 hit, 1 earned run, 1 walk, 0 strikeouts (12 pitches)
Jackson DiLorenzo: 0.1 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 0 strikeouts (12 pitches)
Jake Hunter: 2.0 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 3 strikeouts (35 pitches)
Looking Ahead
With the loss, ECU falls to 3-6 on the season and will look to bounce back today against Indiana State in their second game of the Keith LeClair Classic. The Pirates need a strong response to get back on track and keep their tournament hopes alive.