Final frame makes the difference

From electronic and staff reports
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CHARLOTTE  — East Carolina scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning for a 5-3 Conference USA baseball win over Charlotte at Hayes Stadium on Friday night.

Collecting hits for the Pirates (11-11, 4-3 C-USA) in their last at-bat were Dylan Brown, Zach Houchins (bunt), Ian Townsend and Ben Fultz. Drew Reynolds and Bryce Harman drew walks. Townsend, Harman and Fultz had RBIs.

Ryan Williams (7-1) continued a remarkable season in relief after a solid start by Jeff Hoffman. Williams pitched the last two innings and allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two. Hoffman yielded six hits over seven innings with three earned runs, two walks and two whiffs.

T.J. Nichting had an RBI single as Charlotte (3-14-1, 0-7) took a 1-0 lead in the third.

Hunter Allen singled up the middle, Brown doubled and the Pirates evened the score in the seventh when Reynolds picked up an RBI on a ground out to third.

Charlotte got RBI singles from Eric Eason and Derek Gallello in a two-run seventh that gave the 49ers a 3-1 lead.

The Pirates scored once in the eighth after loading the bases on a single by Townsend, a single by Fultz and a hit batter (Luke Lowery). Reid Love reached on a fielder's choice that brought Townsend home.

Brown went 3-for-5 with a double as ECU led 11-7 in hits. Getting two hits each were Houchins, Townsend and Fultz. Reynolds drew two walks.

The series has been adjusted due to the threat of unsuitable weather on Sunday. A doubleheader is scheduled beginning at 2 p.m. today.

PAGE UPDATED 03/27/14 02:41 AM.

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