East Carolina University
UConn
UConn Outslugs East Carolina In Series Finale
April 17, 2016 | Softball
STORRS, Conn. - Despite racking up a season-high 18 hits Sunday, the East Carolina softball team fell to UConn 15-7 in six innings in the teams' series finale at the Burrill Family Field.
The Pirates (20-26, 2-10 AAC) received a hit from every offensive player that entered the contest, but the Huskies (16-25, 3-7 AAC) were backed by a seven-run third inning in which they hit a pair of three-run home runs.
Junior outfielder Ciara Ervin and senior shortstop Casey Alcorn led all players with three hits apiece while Ervin scored a pair of runs and drove in one. Alyson Ambler and Taylor Smith both went 2-for-3 with three RBI apiece to pace UConn.
Freshman RHP Mary Williams (5-12) suffered the loss after surrendering 13 runs on seven hits with 11 walks and a strikeout. Jill Stockley (6-10) picked up the victory tossing five innings and allowing six runs (five earned) on 15 hits with a walk and no strikeouts.
How it Happened: East Carolina exploded out of the gates as Ervin, senior catcher Kelsi Briggs and Alcorn all recorded hits to give the Pirates an early 1-0 advantage. ECU then loaded the bases with one out but could not build on the lead as a pair of pop ups ended the half inning.
The Huskies established a 3-2 lead after two complete innings. However, on the first pitch of the third, junior first baseman Ali Ramirez cranked a solo home run off of the scoreboard in left center to knot the score at four. UConn responded in the home half, plating seven runs on four hits, to take full command at 11-4.
Following a scoreless fourth inning for both sides, the Pirates drew within 11-6 thanks to four hits and a Husky error. UConn responded with a run in the bottom of the fifth before a Briggs infield RBI single made the score 12-7. The Huskies would finish the game off in the home part of the sixth, scoring three runs on just one hit to provide the final margin.
Bits and Pieces: UConn evened the all-time series between the schools at three wins apiece … The Pirates dropped 2-11 in road games this season and 1-5 in league away contests … ECU's 18 hits were the most in a single game for the program since racking up 19 at Charlotte March 15, 2014 … East Carolina upped its season home run total to 30 - the second most in the American Athletic Conference this year … The Pirates lost for the first time this season when scoring six or more runs (12-1) … ECU fell to 16-7 when scoring first and 9-6 when scoring in the first inning of play.
Up Next: East Carolina returns to action in Greenville this week to close out its home schedule. The Pirates will take on UNCW Wednesday at 5 p.m. before hosting Houston in a three-game AAC series next weekend.
