Pirates Respond in a Big Way, Hammer Tulane to Even Series

GREENVILLE, N.C. — After a tough loss on Friday night, East Carolina came out with an emphatic answer Saturday, pounding Tulane 15–5 inside Clark-LeClair Stadium to even the weekend series at one game apiece.

The Pirates exploded for 16 hits, played error-free baseball, and rode a brilliant bullpen effort from Ethan Norby to get back on track.

Offense Awakens in a Big Way

After being outscored by 15 runs the night before, ECU wasted no time flipping the script. Braden Burress, Ryley Johnson, Jack Herring, Colby Wallace, Austin Irby, and Alex Bouche all delivered multi-hit games as the Pirates kept constant pressure on Tulane pitching.

Dixon Williams stole the show offensively, going 3-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs, including a fourth-inning grand slam that broke the game wide open.

Dalton Whitaker added even more insurance late, launching a three-run homer off the bench in the eighth to put the exclamation point on a relentless offensive performance.

Norby Slams the Door

Ethan Young started but struggled early, giving up five runs in just two innings.
That’s when Ethan Norby entered and completely took control of the game.

Norby (5–4) tossed six shutout innings, allowing just three hits and striking out eight without walking a batter. He retired 18 of the 21 hitters he faced, stabilizing the game and letting ECU’s offense pile up runs behind him.

Clean Baseball Makes the Difference

After committing costly mistakes Friday night, the Pirates played much sharper across the board. ECU didn’t commit an error and limited Tulane to just five total hits while striking out 10 Green Wave hitters.

At the plate, the Pirates hit four home runs, four doubles, and worked four walks, keeping the bases busy all afternoon.

What’s Next

East Carolina (24–18, 9–7 AAC) will meet Tulane in a Sunday rubber match at 1 p.m. ET inside Clark-LeClair Stadium.