East Carolina University
UNC Greensboro
ECU Takes LeClair Classic Opener, 8-3
February 21, 2015 | Baseball
GREENVILLE, N.C. - East Carolina got six strong innings from Evan Kruczynski, a pair of home runs by Luke Lowery and a two-run blast from Travis Watkins claiming an 8-3 win over UNC Greensboro at the 2015 Keith LeClair Classic, which is being held at Lewis Field inside Clark-LeClair Stadium.
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the fifth, ECU (1-3) plated a pair of runs taking a 2-1 lead, which it would never relinquish. Hunter Allen laced an RBI triple to right center scoring Charlie Yorgen knotting the game at one-all. Allen would score two batters later when Parker Lamm reached on and error by the Spartans (1-2) third baseman.
Making his second career start, Kruczynski (1-1) allowed one run (earned) on five hits in six innings of work while striking out a career-high seven. Nick Durazo tossed a pair of innings in relief allowing two runs (both unearned) on two hits, while Kirk Morgan had a perfect ninth inning.
Ryan Clark (1-1) took the loss giving up five runs (four earned) on eight hits with two strikeouts. Bryant Stafford allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits in 2.2 innings, while Cody Fitch retired the lone batter he faced.
UNCG jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth on Aaron Wright's single right field that plated Colin Woody from second, following his double to right center.
Lowery and Watkins each belted home runs in the three-run sixth extending ECU's lead to 5-1. Lowery took a first pitch offering from Clark down the left field line that hit midway up the foul poll for his first homer of the season. Following a Bryce Harman double to right center, Watkins hit his first career home sending a shot over the centerfield wall chasing Clark from the game.
The Spartans answered in the top half of the seventh plating a pair of runs and cutting the Pirates lead to two, 5-3. Jake Kusz reached with one out on an throwing error then strolled home on Tripp Shelton's homer to right field.
ECU would add three runs in the bottom of the eight pushing the lead five, 8-3, which was highlighted by Lowery's second homer of the afternoon - a solo shot to center. Watkins doubled down the left field line with one out and scored when Charlie Yorgen reached on throwing error. Jackson Mims drove in his first collegiate run on a sac fly to left allowing Yorgen to tag up.
The Pirates pounded out 11 hits to UNCG's seven and were led by Harman and Watkins' three-hit game. Allen and Lowery each added a pair of base knocks, while Lamm extended his hit streak to four games with a single in the first frame.
ECU will be back on the diamond Sunday afternoon playing Liberty at 2:30 p.m. and St. John's at 6 p.m. on the final day of the 12th Annual Keith LeClair Classic.
