DURHAM — A five-run fifth inning lifted East Carolina to its 13th win in its last 14 games, 9-4, over Duke at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Tuesday evening.
The host Blue Devils (10-9) led 3-0 after two innings and carried the advantage into the top of the fifth when the Pirates surged ahead.
Bryant Packard and T.J. Riles had singles to start the decisive frame. Packard scored ECU’s first run on a bunt single by Dusty Baker.
Riles scored as Charlie Yorgen was retired at first. Baker came home with the tying run on a wild pitch.
Turner Brown and Travis Watkins drew walks. Wild pitches put runners at second and third for a ground out to second by Luke Bolka that allowed Brown to come home with the go-ahead run.
Watkins scored on a wild pitch for a 5-3 ECU lead.
Yorgen went 2-for-5 with two RBIs. Bolka went 1-for-4 and drove in a pair. Brown was 2-for-4 and scored twice.
Eric Tyler was 2-for-5 with a double as the Pirates outhit the Blue Devils, 12-7.
Baker and Riles each scored two runs for ECU (13-4).
Chris Holba (3-0) pitched five scoreless innings in relief for the win. He allowed two hits and issued one walk while striking out five.
Hunter Hood started for ECU and went two innings. Sam Lanier, Evan Voliva and Tyler Smith saw mound action after Holba.
The contest in Durham was originally scheduled for Wednesday night but was moved up due to the threat of inclement weather.
The Pirates start a three-game series at home with Mercer on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
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