Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
East Carolina
East Carolina Defeats Baseball in Extras, 9-8
5/7/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 7, 2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Zach Wright hit the first pitch of the top of the 10th for a home run to break an 8-8 tie as East Carolina held on to defeat the Marshall University baseball team in a come-from-behind victory, 9-8 on Friday night at Appalachian Power Park.
Rhett Stafford went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and was a triple shy of the cycle as he also connected for his team-leading seventh long ball of the season. Kenny Socorro roped three hits and knocked in three, while Victor Ramos added a three-hit game of his own.
Victor Gomez and Thor Meeks each laced a pair of hits in the loss as Marshall falls to 17-25 overall, 4-12 in conference play.
A career-best performance from freshman Aaron Blair was spoiled as the righty fired the first six innings without the Pirates crossing home. Beyond a career-high in innings pitched, Blair also recorded a career-best six strikeouts, while scattering seven hits and walking one.
Brad Mincey (5-2) pitched two frames of scoreless relief out of the ECU (29-16, 10-9 C-USA) bullpen to earn the victory.
Josh King was tagged with the loss, as his record drops to 2-2 on the season.
Trent Whitehead and Phillip Clark each ripped three hits in the win.
TIME CHANGE: Saturday's game has been moved up to 5 p.m. at Power Park due to the possibility of inclement weather.
