**Coastal Carolina Edges East Carolina in Extra-Inning Thriller, 4-3**
In a dramatic Sunday showdown at Clark-LeClair Stadium, the **No. 24 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers** outlasted the **East Carolina Pirates** in a 4-3, 10-inning victory to clinch the series finale. Despite a late rally by the Pirates, a solo home run in the 10th inning proved to be the difference-maker.
**Key Moments**
– **Early Lead**: East Carolina struck first in the second inning when **Walker Barron** singled, advanced to third on an **Austin Irby** hit, and scored on a **Braxton Tramel** groundout.
– **Coastal’s Comeback**: The Chanticleers tied the game in the sixth inning with an RBI single by **Jake Brooks** and took a 3-1 lead with single runs in the seventh and eighth innings.
– **Pirates’ Ninth-Inning Rally**: Down 3-1 in the bottom of the ninth, East Carolina staged a thrilling comeback. **Braden Burress** and **Dixon Williams** led off with singles, and **Jack Herring** drove in Burress with a groundout. Barron then tied the game with a hard-hit single that deflected off the pitcher, allowing Williams to score.
– **Walk-Off Heroics**: In the 10th, **Blagen Pado** launched a solo home run to put Coastal Carolina ahead. The Pirates threatened with a two-out baserunner in the bottom half, but a groundout ended the game.
**Standout Performances**
– **Walker Barron**: Went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored to lead the Pirates’ offense.
– **Blake Barthol and Jake Brooks**: Each recorded two hits for Coastal Carolina, with Brooks driving in a key run.
– **Jacob Morrison (2-0)**: Earned the win with one inning of relief, allowing one run on three hits.
– **Jake Hunter**: Took the loss for East Carolina despite a strong three-inning outing, giving up just one run on two hits with three strikeouts.
**Postgame Notes**
– Coastal Carolina now leads the all-time series against East Carolina, **10-7**.
– The Pirates struggled with runners in scoring position, going **1-for-16**.
– East Carolina put six leadoff batters on base but couldn’t capitalize fully.
– **Dixon Williams** extended his on-base streak to **11 games**.
– This was the Pirates’ **sixth game** this season against a nationally ranked opponent.
**What’s Next**
The Pirates (7-8) will look to regroup after the tough loss, while Coastal Carolina (12-4) continues its strong start to the season. Both teams will aim to build momentum as they head into their next matchups.
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**Key Stats**:
– **Walker Barron**: 3-for-5, RBI, R.
– **Blagen Pado**: Game-winning HR in the 10th.
– **Jacob Morrison**: 1 IP, 1 R, 3 H, W (2-0).
– **Jake Hunter**: 3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 3 K, L.
A heartbreaking loss for the Pirates, but the fight they showed in the ninth inning proves this team has the grit to bounce back. ☠️
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