GREENVILLE — Jack Sinclair came into Sunday’s game at East Carolina with a 1-4 record this season, but he delivered seven solid innings in a 6-1 Central Florida win as the Knights earned a 2-2 split in the American Athletic Conference series.
The junior right-hander limited No. 9 ECU (28-7, 10-2 AAC) to four hits and one run (earned) while walking two and striking out seven,
“You look at Sinclair and his numbers aren’t good,” said Pirates coach Cliff Godwin. “He had three pitches for strikes. … He’s got really good stuff. He’s got big-league stuff and today — tip my hat to him, — he was a lot better than we were.”
In contrast, ECU starter Tyler Smith struggled with his command and issued six walks before he was pulled after a pair of bases on balls to start the third. Eight Pirate pitchers issued 10 walks and hit four batters.
“Too many free baserunners,” Godwin said. “The game is not going to reward you.”
Tom Josten had a 3-run double in a 4-run third inning that put UCF (19-21, 9-7) ahead, 5-0.
Zach Agnos had a solo homer to left for the Pirates in the fifth. Agnos and Thomas Francisco were each 2-for-4.
ECU returns to action Friday at Wichita State for a doubleheader that gets underway at 2 p.m.
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