ECU Rides Strong Pitching and Late-Inning Surge to 6-1 Win Over Virginia Tech
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina relied on dominant pitching and timely hitting to secure a 6-1 victory over Virginia Tech on Sunday. The Pirates’ arms combined for 13 strikeouts while the offense came alive late, powered by Alex Bouche’s home run and Braden Buress’ clutch two-RBI double.
Pitching Sets the Tone
Lance Williams made his first career start and held Virginia Tech scoreless across 2.1 innings before handing the ball to the bullpen. Ethan Young (1-0) earned the win, striking out six over 3.1 innings while allowing just one run. Brad Pruett (S, 1) shut the door with 3.1 dominant innings, striking out six and surrendering only one hit.
Williams: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
Young (W, 1-0): 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K (2.63 ERA)
Pruett (S, 1): 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K (4.38 ERA)
The Pirates’ staff combined for 168 pitches, 97 for strikes, holding VT to just five hits and one extra-base hit.
Offense Comes Alive Late
Both teams struggled to produce early, as the game remained scoreless through four innings. ECU finally broke through in the fifth when Alex Bouche crushed a two-run homer, giving the Pirates a 2-0 lead.
Virginia Tech trimmed the lead to 2-1 in the sixth with an RBI single, but ECU immediately responded. Michael Kalinich lifted a sacrifice fly to score Dixon Williams, pushing the lead to 3-1.
The Pirates put the game away in the eighth when Braden Buress smashed a two-RBI double, then later scored on a passed ball to extend the lead to 6-1.
Key Offensive Performances:
Alex Bouche (SS): 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 3 assists (.216 AVG)
Braden Buress (LF): 1-for-1, 2B, 2 RBI, run scored (.250 AVG)
Dixon Williams (2B): 2-for-3, run, walk (.342 AVG)
Michael Kalinich (PH/DH): 1-for-1, RBI (.250 AVG)
Walker Barron (C): 1-for-4 (.265 AVG)
Austin Irby (1B): 1-for-3, run scored (.286 AVG)
ECU’s offense finished with eight hits, seven strikeouts, and four walks, while stranding 11 runners on base.
Up Next:
With the win, ECU improves to 5-6 on the season and will now turn its attention to Gardner-Webb on Tuesday night in Fayetteville. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.