STORRS, CT — Host Connecticut topped East Carolina 6-4 on Friday to win the American Athletic Conference series.
The Huskies (31-22, 14-9 AAC) led 6-1 when the Pirates loaded the bases with none out in the top of the eighth. Dwanya Williams-Sutton was hit by a pitch to get the ECU uprising underway. Charlie Yorgen singled to put runners at first and third. That finished the day for UConn starter William Montgomerie (6-3), who yielded seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts.
Eric Tyler drew a walk to load the bases. Pinch hitter Luke Bolka struck out before Travis Watkins drew a walk to force home Williams-Sutton. A walk to Drew Henrickson brought Yorgen in and pulled the Pirates within 6-3. When Bryce Harman was hit by a pitch the Huskies’ lead was trimmed to 6-4 as Tyler came home.
John Russell pitched one and two-thirds innings for his 14th save.
ECU (28-27, 6-17) tries to avoid a six-game season sweep by UConn in a 1 p.m. contest today at J.O. Christian Field.
The outcome Friday assured that the Pirates will be seeded eighth for the AAC Tournament, which begins Tuesday in Clearwater, FL.
Chris Holba (4-2) was charged with the loss after Zac Susi and John Toppa drove in runs in the bottom of the first inning.
Jake Agnos yielded a two-run homer to Alex LeFevre in the third inning as the Huskies pushed their lead to 5-0.
Watkins was 3-for-3 to lead ECU at the plate. Yorgen had two hits.
Spencer Brickhouse had a single to lead off the fourth for the Pirates. Watkins doubled to give ECU runners at second and third. Turner Brown’s ground out allowed Brickhouse to score.
Susi singled in the fifth and went to second when Willy Yahn was hit by a pitch. Susi went to third as Toppa hit into a fielder’s choice. Tyler Smith was called for a balk to bring Susi in for a 6-1 UConn lead.
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