Pirates Stun Florida in Conway Regional Opener, 11–6

CONWAY, S.C. — East Carolina didn’t just show up they showed out. The Pirates dropped 11 runs and 15 hits on Florida in Friday’s Conway Regional opener, silencing the Gators with an electric 11–6 win.

Irby Ignites the Pirates

Freshman Austin Irby played like a veteran on the big stage. The first baseman delivered a monster performance, going 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs the first four-hit game of his career.

"We were just out there trying to have fun, because we know that's when we play our best baseball," Irby said. "Everybody has come together the back part of the season. It’s a super fun and comfortable environment every time we're going on the field right now."

He wasn’t alone. ECU jumped on Florida early and never looked back. The Pirates chased the Gators' starter before the end of the third inning and wore out their bullpen from there.

Jack Herring Steps Up

Jack Herring continued his consistent postseason presence with a 2-for-5 night and two key RBIs, including a knock that helped break the game open late.

"Our coaches put together such a great approach for us, and when we are really bought into it, we're ready to go and get anything,” Irby added. “We work that stuff into our pregame routines it helps a lot.”

Bryson Burress reached base three times and scored twice. Ryley Johnson also had a two-hit game and made things happen with his speed.

Norby Goes the Distance

Ethan Norby turned in one of the gutsiest starts of his career. The righty gave ECU 7.1 innings, allowing just three runs on six hits while striking out 10 — all on a career-high 116 pitches.

“It felt like a home game out there with how many Pirate fans were out there,” Norby said. “That was pretty fun to play in front of. I'd say it was pretty similar to last year's (regional). Just trying not to do too much, just be me out there.”

Justin Hunter worked the final 1.2 innings to close it out.

Cliff Godwin: "This is House Money"

"I knew we wouldn't be scared. No offense, we could have played the Yankees today and we wouldn't have been scared," said head coach Cliff Godwin. "Nobody expected us to be here a week ago. We were dead in the water. The guys have really come together. God has pulled them together. They've played great baseball.”

“This is house money. I'm just proud of the way the guys have played free and loose.”

What’s Next

With the win, ECU moves into the winner’s bracket and will play again Saturday night against the Coastal Carolina–Fairfield winner. One more win would put the Pirates on the doorstep of a regional final.