Pirates Dominate VCU in Series Opener

East Carolina kicked off its five-game week with a statement win, cruising past Virginia Commonwealth 12-2 in eight innings Tuesday night at The Diamond in Richmond, Va. The game was called early due to the mercy rule, and the Pirates (8-8) will look to complete the midweek sweep Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Early Offense Fuels ECU

VCU (4-11) struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Sam Swenson launched a solo home run to center field. The Pirates, however, quickly responded.

In the top of the second, Alex Bouche singled to left, and a fielding error allowed two runs to score. That swing gave ECU a 3-1 lead, and the Pirates never looked back.

John Collins extended the lead in the third, blasting a two-run homer to center. ECU then capitalized on VCU’s mistakes in the fourth, adding three more runs, including another RBI from Collins. By the end of the inning, the Pirates held an 8-2 advantage.

Collins and Bouche Lead the Charge

Collins had a huge night at the plate, going 3-for-5 with four RBIs, finishing just a triple shy of the cycle. He delivered a home run, an RBI single, and a run-scoring double.

Bouche also had a productive game, finishing 3-for-4 with two RBIs, a double, and a walk. Dixon Williams, Walker Barron, and Colby Wallace each added a hit and scored at least once.

Pitching Staff Holds VCU in Check

ECU used five pitchers in the win. Jaden Winter got the start, allowing two runs on five hits over 3.2 innings. Ian White followed with 1.1 hitless innings, escaping a bases-loaded jam.

Jackson DiLorenzo tossed 1.1 scoreless frames despite issuing four walks, while Colby Wallace recorded two key outs in the seventh to keep ECU in control.

Freshman Tyler Brashear closed it out in the eighth after the Pirates tacked on three more runs, securing the mercy-rule victory.

Up Next

ECU will go for the midweek sweep Wednesday at 3 p.m. before returning home for a three-game weekend series against William & Mary.