Wolfpack's Wilkins clamps down on ECU

From electronic and staff reports
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Senior righthander Ryan Wilkins pitched five innings of no-hit ball and senior outfielder Brett Williams had two hits and three RBIs to lead North Carolina State to a 6-1 victory over East Carolina Tuesday evening at Clark-LeClair Stadium.

Williams' two-run double was the key hit in a three-run third inning that proved to be decisive as Wilkins muffled the Pirates during his stint and relievers Josh Easley and Grant Sasser combined to limit ECU to one run on four hits over the final four frames.

Story continues after the following picture.

The East Carolina and N.C. State players line up for the playing of the National Anthem before the first pitch of Tuesday's game. (W.A. Myatt photo)

Wilkins faced only 16 batters in his sterling start, striking out five and walking none. The only base runner allowed by Wilkins was ECU senior outfielder/first baseman Jay Cannon. Cannon reached on a two-out, infield error in the fourth and stole second before being stranded when Wilkins retired junior third baseman Zach Houchins on a groundout.

The Pirates got to Easley for a run in the eighth when freshman pinch-hitter Garrett Brooks was hit by a pitch, advanced to second on a groundout and came home on junior pinch-hitter Drew Reynolds' single.

Senior second baseman Bryan Bass had two of ECU's four hits.

The Pirates fell below .500 at 14-15 with the loss, which halted a three-game winning streak.

The Wolfpack improved to 20-10.

ECU now turn its focus to a Conference USA series this weekend with visiting Rice. First pitch in Friday's series opener is set for 6 p.m. The Owls (21-10) are coming off a 12-inning 4-3 victory on Monday over Texas State.

PAGE UPDATED 04/03/13 10:08 AM.

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