Bucs crank up the bats

From electronic and staff reports
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BECKLEY, WV — Chase McDonald had four RBIs and Jeff Hoffman worked eight solid innings as East Carolina's baseball team took the opening contest of a three-game series 9-1 over Marshall at Epling Stadium on Friday afternoon.

McDonald's ninth home run of the season, a three-run shot in the Pirates' four-run eighth inning, helped nail down ECU's sixth straight road win.

The Pirates improved to 27-22 overall and 11-8 in Conference USA, while the Thundering Herd slipped to 18-30 for the season and 5-14 in the league.

McDonald picked up an RBI on a fielder's choice in the third inning that produced the go-ahead run and a 2-1 ECU lead. Jack Reinheimer had walked before Drew Reynolds hit safely for the 13th straight game. Zach Houchins walked to load the bases before Reinheimer scored on McDonald's grounder to short.

The Pirates struck for an early lead after Bryan Bass led off the game with a single up the middle. A ground out and a fly out got Bass to third before Houchins doubled for to score Bass. Houchins has a nine-game hitting streak.

Marshall scored a tying run in the second as a single by Aaron Bossi scored Eric Escobedo.

ECU widened the margin in the sixth as Luke Lowery and Jay Cannon bunted their way aboard before Bass singled into shallow center to load the bases. Reinheimer drove in a pair of runs for a 4-1 Pirates lead with a double down the right field line.

Houchins had an RBI single with two out in the eighth and McDonald's 17th career homer went out in left center.

ECU got some additional insurance in the ninth when doubles by Reinheimer and Reynolds were responsible for a run that pushed the advantage to 9-1.

Hoffman (6-5) allowed seven hits while striking out seven. Jake Harris worked a quick ninth inning, retiring the Herd in order.

The Pirates outhit their hosts, 15-7, with every ECU starter getting at least one base knock.

Game two of the series is scheduled for Saturday night at 7.

PAGE UPDATED 05/10/13 10:54 PM.

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