BUIES CREEK, N.C. (ECU ATHLETICS) – The East Carolina Pirates battled throughout but were undone by defensive miscues in a tight one-run loss to the Campbell Camels. It marked the sixth straight meeting between the two programs decided by a single run.
Campbell (2-2) struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on a miscommunication in the field that allowed the game’s first run to score despite just one hit in the frame. ECU (1-3) generated early chances of its own, as Austin Irby collected the Pirates’ first hit in the second inning and Brayden Bachman added his first collegiate knock to put two aboard, but the rally stalled with both runners stranded.
The Pirates continued to apply pressure with scattered opportunities.
Grady Lenahan opened the fourth with a gapper into right-center, and ECU threatened again in the eighth when Lenahan reached with two outs and stole second before Irby was intentionally walked and Wallace was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Campbell escaped the jam with a strikeout to preserve its slim lead.
ECU finally broke through in the sixth inning when Burress worked a walk, and Herring laced a deep liner down the left-field line to score Burress from first, tying the game and swinging momentum. The Camels answered in the bottom half, using another Pirate error and a bases-loaded situation to push across what proved to be the decisive run.
Despite a ninth-inning pinch-hit single from Davin Whitaker, ECU could not ignite a final rally. Strong pitching kept the contest close, but four defensive errors and missed opportunities at the plate ultimately proved costly.
The Pirate staff gave ECU every chance to win, combining to allow just five hits and three walks while inducing nine ground-ball outs and turning two double plays.
Nick Moran and Sean Jenkins each worked three scoreless innings in relief, with Jenkins striking out five of ECU’s seven total strikeouts to keep the Pirates within striking distance late.
Irby finished 1-for-2 with two intentional walks, while Lenahan, Herring and Bachman each added a hit.ECU returns home Wednesday to host the Northern Illinois Huskies at 4 p.m. EST.
After NIU, the Pirates open a highly anticipated three-game set with the North Carolina Tar Heels beginning Friday, February 20, at Clark-LeClair Stadium. Saturday’s contest will be played at Durham Bulls Athletic Park before the series finale on Sunday in Chapel Hill.
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