Neither team lacked run support during either game on Friday. Instead, it was a lack of control by the pitching staff that tormented ECU (13-6). Between the two games, the Pirates walked or hit 21 batters, a problem head coach Cliff Godwin knew hurt them.
“At one point eight guys had been given free bases and eight guys had scored,” Godwin said. “If you give up free bases against a good offensive team they’re going to score.”
Despite the pitching struggles, the Pirates led 4-2 in the seventh inning. After a strong six innings pitched, Trey Benton walked the first batter of the inning which effectively ended his outing.