North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State Falls To No. 10 ECU
5/2/2001 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 2, 2001
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- Three East Carolina seniors combined to drive in six runs in their final home game as No. 10 ECU (42-10) defeated NC State, 9-3, here Wednesday night in front of a record crowd of 3,703. The Pirates finished the season 29-3 at home, to record the best winning percentage at Harrington Field in school history.
The victory was the Pirates` 42nd of the year, tying the school record for most wins during the regular season.
"It's a team effort, not and individual effort and we got where we are today because of a group of guys that worked hard everyday," said Pirate head coach Keith LeClair. "Its always a special moment to see your seniors step up and end their career at home on a positive note.
Back-to-back home runs by Brian Wright and Sean Walsh in the top of the first gave NC State (25-25) a 2-0 lead.
The Pirates scored a run in the first and a run in the third to tie the game at 2-2. A single through middle by senior Joseph Hastings plated Warren Gaspar from second base in the first inning. Bryant Ward led off the third inning with his eighth home run of the year to tie the game. Ward later doubled to set the ECU single season record with 21.
The Wolfpack pulled ahead with a single run in the top half of the sixth. Justin Riley led off the frame with double off the left field wall and moved to third on a ground out. Jamie Sherain then lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to plate the go-ahead run.
ECU used a four-run, two out rally in the bottom of the sixth to take a three-run lead. Lee Delfino started the rally with a single through the left side. Senior Cliff Godwin and Clayton McCullough drew consecutive walks to load the bases. Delfino then scored on a wild pitch as each runner moved up a base. Senior Brad Simons then doubled into the left field corner to plate two runs.
Another two-out scoring parade in the seventh gave ECU a 9-3 lead. Cliff Godwin hit a three-run home run, his 15th of the season, to blow the game open. Senior John Williamson reached on a two-out error to extend the frame and Delfino followed with a base on balls.
Sam Narron (10-1) picked up the victory becoming the first ECU pitcher to win 10 games since 1999. He tossed six innings and allowed three runs on five hits with a pair of strikeouts.
Glen Tucker tossed two innings in relief and Will Brinson pitched the ninth inning.
Dan D'Amato (4-7) took the loss for the Wolfpack and he yielded six runs on six hits with five strikeouts.
East Carolina will return to action on Thursday, May 10 against UNC Wilmington. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. in Wilmington, N.C.
