Pirates Unable to Hold on at Home Against No.10 North Carolina
February 20, 2026 | Baseball
GREENVILLE, N.C. – The lights dimmed over Clark-LeClair Stadium on Friday night as the East Carolina Pirates were shut out by No. 10 North Carolina, marking the first time since 2007 that the Tar Heels have run-ruled ECU.
In a rivalry that is typically decided by the narrowest of margins, 10 of the last 11 meetings have been decided by three runs or fewer, the Pirates have consistently matched the North Carolina Tar Heels baseball pitch for pitch. Friday, however, proved to be an exception.
North Carolina strung together offense in just three of the eight innings, with the game's first two runs coming on a pair of solo home runs. On the mound, Tar Heel starter Jason DeCaro was dominant, tossing a complete-game shutout and limiting the Pirates to five hits over eight innings.
East Carolina Pirates baseball was led at the plate by Braden Burress, who went 3-for-4 on the night, while Grady Lenahan and Davin Whitaker added hits of their own. The Pirates, however, were unable to push a run across.
Clark-LeClair Stadium also welcomed a few new Pirate debuts, as Matt Lashley recorded his first appearance at the plate and helped turn a double play, while Blade Carver made his first appearance as a pinch hitter.
Despite Friday's result, the series continues Saturday at a neutral site, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. The finale will then shift to Chapel Hill on Sunday, where North Carolina will host a 1 p.m. start.
Fans are encouraged to follow ECU Athletics for the latest updates and coverage throughout the weekend series.
In a rivalry that is typically decided by the narrowest of margins, 10 of the last 11 meetings have been decided by three runs or fewer, the Pirates have consistently matched the North Carolina Tar Heels baseball pitch for pitch. Friday, however, proved to be an exception.
North Carolina strung together offense in just three of the eight innings, with the game's first two runs coming on a pair of solo home runs. On the mound, Tar Heel starter Jason DeCaro was dominant, tossing a complete-game shutout and limiting the Pirates to five hits over eight innings.
East Carolina Pirates baseball was led at the plate by Braden Burress, who went 3-for-4 on the night, while Grady Lenahan and Davin Whitaker added hits of their own. The Pirates, however, were unable to push a run across.
Clark-LeClair Stadium also welcomed a few new Pirate debuts, as Matt Lashley recorded his first appearance at the plate and helped turn a double play, while Blade Carver made his first appearance as a pinch hitter.
Despite Friday's result, the series continues Saturday at a neutral site, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. The finale will then shift to Chapel Hill on Sunday, where North Carolina will host a 1 p.m. start.
Fans are encouraged to follow ECU Athletics for the latest updates and coverage throughout the weekend series.
Players Mentioned
INF/OF
/ Baseball
C
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
OF
/ Baseball
OF
/ Baseball02/12/26 Inside Pirate Athletics
Thursday, February 12
11/18/25 Inside Pirate Athletics
Tuesday, November 18
10/28/25 Inside Pirate Athletics
Tuesday, October 28
ECU Baseball Breaks Ground for the Dick and Sarah Bennett Baseball Building.
Friday, September 05
