On what was a very windy and cold day at Clark-LeClair Stadium, USC's Blake Cooper turned in an excellent outing as he worked a sensational seven innings and highlighted a 6-2 win over No. 13 East Carolina.
The tenth-ranked Gamecocks (4-0) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second. Nick Ebert led off the inning with a double down the left field line and then scored on a two-base error when Jeffery Jones lined a Maness' offering to right field that was misplayed by ECU right fielder Devin Harris.
USC upped its advantage to 2-0 in the third and thats where the score remained until the Gamecocks plated another single run in the fifth when centerfielder Whit Merrifield singled and came around to score via a couple wild pitches.
ECU scored its only runs in the bottom of that inning when Corey Thompson lined a two-run shot to right field. It was the sophomore's second career HR--the other came against USC in last year's regional.
Ray Tanner's club responded with two runs in the top of the sixth to extend its margin back to three at 5-2.
The Pirates loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the eighth when Austin Homan walked, but freshman John Wooten's deep drive to right center was caught up against the wall by the Gamecocks' centerfielder Whit Merrifield--only feet shy of a go-ahead grand slam.
South Carolina scored a final insurance run in the top of the ninth off ECU reliever Sthil Sowers.
ECU junior Seth Maness fell to 0-2 on the season. Maness, who threw 88 pitches, was approaching his pitch count when he left the game with one out in the top of the fifth, but was also hobbled by a foot or ankle injury suffered when covering first an inning or two earlier. He allowed two runs--one earned--on six hits in his 4.1 innings of work.
Shawn Armstrong (1.2 IP, 2 R, O ER, 1 H, 1 K, 1 BB) and Patrick Somers (.1 IP) also saw action out of the ECU bullpen. The relief effort by Sowers (2.2 IP, O ER, 1 ER, 3 H, 4 K, 1 BB) was encouraging given how the junior struggled in 2009 and early this season.
ECU will meet USC in game two of the series on Saturday at 2pm.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
No. 13 Pirates overwhelm ODU
After dropping two of three in their season opening series against now No. 1 UVA, the Diamond Pirates powered past ODU, 11-2, on Tuesday afternoon.
The Monarchs (3-1) struck first by pushing across a run in the top of the second, but the Pirates would knot the game in the bottom of the frame with freshman John Wooten's third homerun of the season. ECU would push across two more in the inning and a single run in the third. It remained 4-1 until the sixth when ECU busted it open with a five-spot on the strength of senior Kyle Roller's first homerun of the season--a three-run shot to left center. The Pirates tacked on two more in the bottom of the eighth when sophomore catcher Zach Wright homered to center.
As well the Pirates swung the bats, they were just as good on the mound. Zach Woods, who struggled in his ECU debut on Friday vs. UVA, went six strong innings--allowing just a run on three hits. He struck out eight while walking just one.
Brad Mincey, Mike Wright and Seth Simmons each posted two strikeouts in their inning of relief. Wright did allow a solo homerun to right center, which accounted for ODU's second run.
East Carolina (2-2) will now prepare for its second high-profile series in as many weekends. The college baseball world's eyes will be focused on Clark-LeClair Stadium, as the tenth-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks will visit for a highly-anticipated three-game set.
After its season-opening series with No. 2 UVA attracted nearly 15,000 fans, this match-up will likely draw just as many and quite possibly more if the weather is as good as it was last weekend.
The Monarchs (3-1) struck first by pushing across a run in the top of the second, but the Pirates would knot the game in the bottom of the frame with freshman John Wooten's third homerun of the season. ECU would push across two more in the inning and a single run in the third. It remained 4-1 until the sixth when ECU busted it open with a five-spot on the strength of senior Kyle Roller's first homerun of the season--a three-run shot to left center. The Pirates tacked on two more in the bottom of the eighth when sophomore catcher Zach Wright homered to center.
As well the Pirates swung the bats, they were just as good on the mound. Zach Woods, who struggled in his ECU debut on Friday vs. UVA, went six strong innings--allowing just a run on three hits. He struck out eight while walking just one.
Brad Mincey, Mike Wright and Seth Simmons each posted two strikeouts in their inning of relief. Wright did allow a solo homerun to right center, which accounted for ODU's second run.
East Carolina (2-2) will now prepare for its second high-profile series in as many weekends. The college baseball world's eyes will be focused on Clark-LeClair Stadium, as the tenth-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks will visit for a highly-anticipated three-game set.
After its season-opening series with No. 2 UVA attracted nearly 15,000 fans, this match-up will likely draw just as many and quite possibly more if the weather is as good as it was last weekend.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Softball opener suddenly a lot more challenging
After missing last year's NCAA Tournament despite posting an impressive 40-15 record, Tracey Kee made it a point to play the most challenging schedule she could possibly play in 2010.
That schedule features a date with 2009 national champ Washington, as well as two games with 2009 national runner-up Florida.
The Pirates were originally scheduled to open the season with the Redbirds of Illinois State and not face the No. 3/5 Gators until next weekend. However, due to a rainout on day one of the DeMarini Tournament in Tampa and the subsequent re-shuffling of the schedule, East Carolina will now face Florida at noon on Saturday. After taking on the Gators, ECU will meet USF at 5pm.
That schedule features a date with 2009 national champ Washington, as well as two games with 2009 national runner-up Florida.
The Pirates were originally scheduled to open the season with the Redbirds of Illinois State and not face the No. 3/5 Gators until next weekend. However, due to a rainout on day one of the DeMarini Tournament in Tampa and the subsequent re-shuffling of the schedule, East Carolina will now face Florida at noon on Saturday. After taking on the Gators, ECU will meet USF at 5pm.
Seasoned veterans begin play at South Florida tourney
14th year East Carolina softball coach Tracey Kee will be attempting to earn her 575th victory today when the Pirates begin the 2010 season at 12:30 against Illinois State in Tampa at the USF DeMarini Tournament.
That contest with the Redbirds will be the first of five scheduled games for Kee's club on opening weekend. Following its game with Illinois State, ECU will turnaround and face Florida Gulf Coast at approximately 2:30.
On Saturday, the Pirates will get an early start when they face Canisius at 10am before meeting host South Florida at 5.
ECU will conclude play in Tampa when it tangles with Long Island at 9 o'clock on Sunday morning.
Today's games may feature North Carolina transfer Faith Sutton seeing her first time in the circle since choosing to don the purple and gold.
That contest with the Redbirds will be the first of five scheduled games for Kee's club on opening weekend. Following its game with Illinois State, ECU will turnaround and face Florida Gulf Coast at approximately 2:30.
On Saturday, the Pirates will get an early start when they face Canisius at 10am before meeting host South Florida at 5.
ECU will conclude play in Tampa when it tangles with Long Island at 9 o'clock on Sunday morning.
Today's games may feature North Carolina transfer Faith Sutton seeing her first time in the circle since choosing to don the purple and gold.
Pirate women stay perfect at home, set up showdown with Tulane
After a lackluster first half against UTEP, the East Carolina women's basketball team pulled it together and picked the Miners apart following halftime to keep its perfect home mark in place.
The Lady Pirates, who are 12-0 at home this season, will now host first-place Tulane in a critical CUSA contest on Saturday at 1pm.
The game is one of only two remaining home contests for Sharon Baldwin-Tener's club.
The combination of the ladies' success and such an important game may be enough to give the "Drive for Five" initiative--the name for the push to have 5,000 fans in attendance and set the school record for a women's game--a realistic chance.
Through 12 games, the women have averaged 1,761--including a large crowd of 2,143 against Memphis.
The attendance record was set in 1981 when 4,500 saw the Pirates play No. 6 Southern Cal. (ecupirates.com)
In 2008, a contest with UCF drew 3,227--the program's fifth largest crowd. (ecupirates.com)
Don't be surprised if the effort produces a season-high mark of 3-3,500, but falls a little shy of the record. Either way, such a crowd would make a tremendous statement about the program's growth and direction under eighth year Head Coach Baldwin-Tener.
The Lady Pirates, who are 12-0 at home this season, will now host first-place Tulane in a critical CUSA contest on Saturday at 1pm.
The game is one of only two remaining home contests for Sharon Baldwin-Tener's club.
The combination of the ladies' success and such an important game may be enough to give the "Drive for Five" initiative--the name for the push to have 5,000 fans in attendance and set the school record for a women's game--a realistic chance.
Through 12 games, the women have averaged 1,761--including a large crowd of 2,143 against Memphis.
The attendance record was set in 1981 when 4,500 saw the Pirates play No. 6 Southern Cal. (ecupirates.com)
In 2008, a contest with UCF drew 3,227--the program's fifth largest crowd. (ecupirates.com)
Don't be surprised if the effort produces a season-high mark of 3-3,500, but falls a little shy of the record. Either way, such a crowd would make a tremendous statement about the program's growth and direction under eighth year Head Coach Baldwin-Tener.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Pirates pull out much-needed, 71-68, victory over Tulane
After leading by as many as 13 points and not trailing for the game's first 35-plus minutes, you wondered how Mack McCarthy's club would respond when it fell behind with just under four and a half minutes to play.
Well, the Pirates (8-16, 2-8) bounced back by sinking five of six free throws and getting a few key stops to capture a desperately needed three-point win over the Green Wave (7-16, 2-8).
East Carolina's biggest lead of 13 came at 31-18 with just over seven minutes to play in the first half. ECU took a 41-31 advantage into the locker room.
Junior point guard Brock Young led the way with 18 points on the strength of an 8-of-10 effort from the charity stripe. He also dished out nine assists and pulled down six rebounds.
Jamar Abrams, the Pirates' top three-point shooter, hit four trifectas and finished with 16 points.
Darrius Morrow and Jontae Sherrod also reached double figures, as they had 11 each.
ECU will travel to CUSA leader UTEP on Saturday.
Well, the Pirates (8-16, 2-8) bounced back by sinking five of six free throws and getting a few key stops to capture a desperately needed three-point win over the Green Wave (7-16, 2-8).
East Carolina's biggest lead of 13 came at 31-18 with just over seven minutes to play in the first half. ECU took a 41-31 advantage into the locker room.
Junior point guard Brock Young led the way with 18 points on the strength of an 8-of-10 effort from the charity stripe. He also dished out nine assists and pulled down six rebounds.
Jamar Abrams, the Pirates' top three-point shooter, hit four trifectas and finished with 16 points.
Darrius Morrow and Jontae Sherrod also reached double figures, as they had 11 each.
ECU will travel to CUSA leader UTEP on Saturday.
Will Pirates get after it or give up against Green Wave on Wednesday night?
Following one of the worst losses in the program's history, how will East Carolina's men's basketball team respond at Williams Arena-Minges Coliseum on Wednesday night when struggling Tulane visits?
Will apathy prevail and another lackluster effort be put forth? Or will the 51-point humiliating defeat the Pirates suffered at Marshall on Saturday finally be what causes this team to say enough is enough and make them determined to leave it all on the court from this point forward?
Against the Herd, ECU (7-16, 1-8)--which has now lost three straight and eight of nine--trailed 33-21 at the break, but proceeded to lay down in the second half when it was outscored 67-28.
ECU had 22 turnovers compared to only four assists versus Marshall. When it did hang on to the basketball, it made just 25 percent of its shots and only 1-of-14 from long range.
The good news for the Pirates is that their lone league victory this season came at Tulane on January 24. ECU, which played very poorly in many phases, was able to grind out a 61-46 over an ice cold Green Wave club.
The Pirates haven't played any better at home than on the road this year. They are currently 4-6 on their homecourt and three of their four wins came against non-Division I competition. ECU has dropped four straight in Minges and each of those defeats was by atleast 11 points.
Tulane (7-15, 2-7) is currently in tenth place and is coming off a 66-48 home loss to SMU on Saturday. The Green Wave may still be without point guard Kevin Sims. Kris Richard (13.3 ppg) and Kendall Thomas have been providing Dave Dickerson's club with strong backcourt play.
With seven games left in the regular season, this is a chance to pick up a win that ECU can ill-afford to let slip by if it hopes to reach the ten win plateau.
Will apathy prevail and another lackluster effort be put forth? Or will the 51-point humiliating defeat the Pirates suffered at Marshall on Saturday finally be what causes this team to say enough is enough and make them determined to leave it all on the court from this point forward?
Against the Herd, ECU (7-16, 1-8)--which has now lost three straight and eight of nine--trailed 33-21 at the break, but proceeded to lay down in the second half when it was outscored 67-28.
ECU had 22 turnovers compared to only four assists versus Marshall. When it did hang on to the basketball, it made just 25 percent of its shots and only 1-of-14 from long range.
The good news for the Pirates is that their lone league victory this season came at Tulane on January 24. ECU, which played very poorly in many phases, was able to grind out a 61-46 over an ice cold Green Wave club.
The Pirates haven't played any better at home than on the road this year. They are currently 4-6 on their homecourt and three of their four wins came against non-Division I competition. ECU has dropped four straight in Minges and each of those defeats was by atleast 11 points.
Tulane (7-15, 2-7) is currently in tenth place and is coming off a 66-48 home loss to SMU on Saturday. The Green Wave may still be without point guard Kevin Sims. Kris Richard (13.3 ppg) and Kendall Thomas have been providing Dave Dickerson's club with strong backcourt play.
With seven games left in the regular season, this is a chance to pick up a win that ECU can ill-afford to let slip by if it hopes to reach the ten win plateau.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Annual Pirate Signing Day Tailgate Party
It's that day. You know, the day that drives college football fans into a frenzy. Wednesday marks the beginning of college football's signing period and as has become the tradition in recent years, the most diehard Pirate supporters will join behind the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium north stands to celebrate the occasion.
The merriment will begin around noon and the event is headed up by long-time Pirate Allan Powell.
The merriment will begin around noon and the event is headed up by long-time Pirate Allan Powell.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Former Pirate Marc Yellock to return as DL coach?
Marc Yellock, who has spent the last four seasons on the Elon coaching staff, may return home to lead the Pirate defensive line.
Yellock, who played from1997-2000 after redshirting in1996, spent 2004 and 2005 as the ECU Defensive graduate assistant.
Yellock, who played from1997-2000 after redshirting in1996, spent 2004 and 2005 as the ECU Defensive graduate assistant.
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