East Carolina University
Nevada
ECU Falls To Nevada In Tight Contest, 2-1
February 14, 2016 | Softball
TEMPE, Ariz. - A two-run home run by Nevada's Amanda Weis in the fourth inning proved the difference Sunday as East Carolina fell to the Wolfpack 2-1 to close out the Kajikawa Classic at the Tempe Sports Complex.
The Pirates out-hit Nevada 7-5 but left nine runners on base. A total of seven ECU batters recorded one hit apiece while each team drew a pair of walks.
Freshman RHP Mary Williams suffered the tough-luck loss, allowing just the two runs in 3.1 innings of work while striking out three. Brooke Bolinger tossed a complete game for the Wolfpack in victory, fanning four hitters in the process.
How it Happened: The East Carolina offense went right to work in the top of the first as junior outfielder Ciara Ervin reached on an error and senior outfielder Casey Alcorn drew a walk with one out. The Pirates could not push a run across, however, after a groundout and popup ended the threat. Williams relieved starter Lydia Ritchie in the bottom of the third inning and inherited a two-out, runners on the corners jam but induced a grounder to second to end the frame. ECU was able to load the bases with one out in the top of the fourth, but a double play allowed Nevada to escape unscathed. The Wolfpack took the momentum from there and Weis connected on a two-run shot to left center to make it 2-0. Junior catcher Alex Mycek responded with two outs in the top of the sixth with a solo homer of her own to cut the Pirate deficit in half. East Carolina had one last chance in the top of the seventh but, with runners on first and second, Bolinger worked a popup for the final out.
Bits and Pieces: East Carolina fell to 0-2 all-time against Nevada … After scoring 21 runs in their first three games, the Pirates mustered just two in the final two contests of the tournament … ECU ended the weekend with a .303 team batting average and currently has eight hitters batting .300 or better … East Carolina's pitching staff compiled an earned run average of 2.54 over the five contests and struck out 35 batters.
Up Next: The Pirates will head to Charlotte Wednesday (Feb. 17) for a 3 p.m. non-conference contest with the 49ers.
