ECU Shut Out in Run-Rule Loss as USF Evens the Series

Pirates Offense Silenced in Seven-Inning Defeat

East Carolina had no answers on Friday night in Tampa, falling 10-0 to South Florida in a run-rule shortened game at USF Baseball Stadium. The Bulls scored early and often, evening the series and handing the Pirates their fifth shutout loss of the season.

With the loss, ECU dropped to 29-24 overall and 13-13 in American Athletic Conference play heading into Saturday’s rubber game and series finale.

South Florida improved to 28-23 overall and 15-11 in the league.

Godwin Ejected in the Sixth

Frustration boiled over in the bottom of the sixth inning, as ECU head coach Cliff Godwin was ejected following a disputed ball-strike call.

With the Pirates trailing 8-0, Godwin argued with home plate umpire Kelvin Beltran over a 3-2 pitch from reliever Gabe Beschloss that was ruled a ball. The call led to a walk and continued USF’s momentum, and moments later, Godwin was tossed from the game.

USF Strikes Early and Never Lets Up

South Florida jumped on ECU starter Jake Hunter right away, scoring three runs in the first inning to take early control.

Hunter lasted just one frame, giving up three hits, two walks, and three earned runs to fall to 2-3 on the season.

Sean Jenkins worked 4.1 innings in relief but also ran into trouble, allowing five earned runs.

Beschloss allowed two more in the sixth as the Bulls built a 10-run lead, ending the game in seven innings.

In total, ECU pitching allowed 13 hits, five walks, and 10 earned runs, with just three strikeouts on the night.

Pirates Held to Two Hits

Jack Herring’s double and a single from Ryan Vergara were the only base knocks for the Pirates, who never advanced a runner past second base.

The Pirates struck out four times, walked twice, and left six men on base in the loss.

Braden Burress, Alex Irby, and Alex Bouche were all held hitless, as ECU’s offense struggled to find any rhythm.

Regular Season Ends Saturday

The Pirates and Bulls will meet for the final game of the regular season on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Tampa.

While ECU has already locked in a spot in next week’s AAC Tournament in Clearwater, the finale will determine seeding as both teams look to close strong heading into postseason play.