Pirates Complete Sweep of Charleston Southern, 8-2
March 14, 2004 | Baseball
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- Freshman right-hander Shane Mathews tossed six scoreless innings and Mike Grace hit a three-run home run to highlight a six-run sixth inning as No. 23 East Carolina wrapped up the series sweep of Charleston Southern, 8-2, Sunday afternoon at Harrington Field. ECU (16-3) posted a season-high 13 hits behind a 3-for-4 performance by third baseman Mak Minicozzi.
Mathews had a solid outting in his first career start. He allowed only three hits while striking out three on his way to his second win of the season. PJ. Connelly relieved Mathews and pitched 1 2/3 innings allowing two runs on two hits. He had two strikeouts. Kevin Rhodes pitched the final 1 1/3 and retired all four batters he faced. R.J. Swindle suffered the loss for the Buccaneers despite striking out nine in 5 2/3 innings. He only gave up two earned runs on 11 hits.
Darryl Lawhorn, Ryan Norwood and John Poppert each had two hits for the Pirates. Brad Woods led Charleston Southern going 2-for-4 including a two-run home run.
Minicozzi singled in Ryan Norwood in the bottom of the fourth for the first run of the game as the Pirates went on top, 1-0. Norwood led off the inning with a stand-up double. Jamie Paige's two-out single drove in John Poppert putting ECU ahead, 2-0.
The Pirates added six unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth. Jake Smith reached on an error. Poppert and Minicozzi hit back-to-back singles to load the bases. Paige drew a bases loaded walk to bring in Smith for a 3-0 Pirate lead. Darryl Lawhorn's two-out single brought in Poppert and Miniccozi as the Pirates led, 5-0. Mike Grace's three-run home run, his second of the season, put the Pirates ahead, 8-0.
Woods' two-run homer in the top of the eighth pulled Charleston Southern within, 8-2.
East Carolina returns to action Tuesday for its last nonconference game before Conference USA play begins next weekend. The Pirates host Marshall at 3 p.m. Junior right-hander Carter Harrell is expected to start for ECU while Marshall will counter with right-hander Steve Ziroli.
