GREENVILLE — A three-run home run by Brandon Riley was the big blow in a four-run fourth inning as North Carolina topped host East Carolina 6-2 on Wednesday night.
The nonconference contest was tied at 1 after three innings. UNC (16-5) took advantage of walks to Zack Gahagan and Tyler Lynn that preceded a two-out throwing error that allowed Gahagan to score the go-ahead run.
Chris Holba had relieved Pirates starter Jacob Wolfe (2-2) before the costly miscue that extended the inning. Riley followed with a three-run shot to left to give the Tar Heels a 5-1 lead.
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Riley doubled to lead off the third and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Ike Freeman. Brian Miller’s ground out to first allowed Riley to score for a 1-0 UNC lead.
The Pirates (14-8) answered in the bottom of the third as Dusty Baker walked and scored on a double down the left field line by Charlie Yorgen.
Singles by Eric Tyler, Bryant Packard and Bryce Harman produced a run in the bottom of the fourth and allowed ECU to cut the lead to 5-2.
Kyle Datres doubled for UNC in the sixth and Lynn had a single through the right side that moved him to third. Riley’s infield single produced his fourth RBI and completed the scoring.
Riley finished 3-for-4 and scored twice.
Matt Bridges and Joe Ingle combined to keep the Tar Heels scoreless over the last three innings.
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Rodney Hutchison (3-1) relieved starter Tyler Baum in the fourth and was credited with the win. Josh Hiatt pitched the final one and one-third, striking out all four batters he faced. UNC pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts.
The visitors held a 7-5 lead in hits.
The Pirates start a three-game series with Towson (8-7) on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
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