GREENVILLE — A 3-run double by Ryan McCrystal was the big blow in a 5-run sixth inning for No. 10 East Carolina as the Pirates downed George Mason, 11-3, on Friday night at Clark-LeClair Stadium.
ECU (17-5) got a dominant pitching performance from Trey Yesavage (4-0), who started and went seven innings. He allowed four hits, three runs (all earned) with two walks and 11 strikeouts.
Willie Lumpkin and Danny Beal each had two whiffs in an inning of relief.
The score was tied at 2 going into the Pirates’ half of the sixth. Jacob Starling walked and Cam Clonch was hit by a pitch before a sacrifice bunt by Joey Berini moved the runners to second and third. An intentional pass to Carter Cunningham loaded the bases.
Alec Makerewicz was plunked to force in the go-ahead run. ECU went up 4-2 on a walk to Ryley Johnson.
McCrystal greeted reliever Owen Stewart with a double down the right field line for a 7-2 Pirates advantage.
ECU outhit the Patriots (11-10) by an 11-5 margin as McCrystal went 3-for-5. Jacob Jenkins-Cowart and Cunningham each had two hits and two RBIs.
The second matchup in the 3-game series is set for Saturday at 4 p.m.
Leave a Reply