Pirates Defeat Gardner-Webb 11-8 in Fayetteville
East Carolina University found itself in a back-and-forth battle against Gardner-Webb, but a crucial sixth-inning surge propelled the Pirates to an 11-8 victory on Tuesday night at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville.
Early Offensive Exchanges
The game got off to an intense start as Gardner-Webb struck first in the top of the first inning. Braley Zayac took the mound for ECU, and after a leadoff popout, the Runnin' Bulldogs used a single and an errant pickoff throw to move a runner into scoring position. An RBI single to right field gave Gardner-Webb an early 1-0 lead. However, Zayac and the Pirate defense managed to limit the damage.
ECU quickly responded in the bottom of the first. After two quick outs, Austin Irby ignited the Pirate offense with a solo home run to left field, tying the game at 1-1.
Gardner-Webb reclaimed the lead in the second inning with another RBI single to center, making it 2-1. ECU, however, countered with a big inning in the bottom half. Walker Barron led off with a home run to tie the game, followed by a Drew Downs double. Alex Bouche’s infield dribbler scored another run, and moments later, Austin Irby delivered again—this time with a three-run home run—to cap off a five-run frame. By the end of the second, ECU held a 6-2 advantage.
Momentum Shifts and Bullpen Battle
Gardner-Webb continued to battle, adding two runs in the top of the third off ECU reliever Jaden Winter, narrowing the score to 6-4. The Pirates kept Gardner-Webb off the board in the fourth, maintaining their lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, ECU tacked on another run as John Collins drove in a run with a groundout, pushing the lead to 7-4.
Gardner-Webb responded in the fifth, loading the bases against Ian White before an RBI groundout and a hit-by-pitch brought home two runs, cutting the ECU lead to just one. Jake Hunter then came in to limit the damage with two key strikeouts.
The Runnin' Bulldogs weren’t done yet, scoring two runs in the top of the sixth off a sacrifice bunt and an RBI single to take an 8-7 lead—marking the first time ECU had trailed since the second inning.
Pirates Surge Back in the Sixth
With momentum shifting, ECU refused to back down. After drawing two walks in the bottom of the sixth, the Pirates capitalized on a costly Gardner-Webb defensive miscue. A passed ball allowed one run to score, and a throwing error by the first baseman brought in two more, flipping the game back in ECU’s favor at 11-8.
Pitching Performances
Braley Zayac got the start for ECU, going 2.0 innings, allowing four hits, two runs (one earned), and striking out one. Jaden Winter followed but struggled, lasting 0.1 innings while giving up two earned runs. Dalton Dilorenzo provided 1.2 innings of relief, also allowing two runs.
Ian White faced three batters in the fifth without recording an out, issuing a walk before Jake Hunter took over. Hunter delivered a clutch performance, tossing 5.0 innings while striking out seven and allowing just two earned runs to secure the win.
Offensive Standouts
Austin Irby headlined the Pirates’ offensive efforts, finishing 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs. Walker Barron also had a strong showing, going 3-for-5 with a solo home run and an RBI.
Drew Downs contributed 2-for-2 at the plate with a double, three walks, and two runs scored. Alex Bouche added an RBI single, while John Collins drove in another run.
Dixon Williams went 1-for-4 and scored twice, while Colby Wallace and Alex Peltier were both held hitless but contributed defensively.
Closing the Door
From there, Jake Hunter settled in, retiring Gardner-Webb in order in the seventh and allowing only one hit over the final three innings. The Pirates' bullpen held strong, securing the 11-8 victory with a clean eighth and ninth inning to seal the win.
Up Next
ECU will be back in action later this week as they prepare for a weekend series against Coastal Carolina, looking to build on their strong offensive performance and secure another victory.