Lillian Martineau went 2-for-3 at the plate for the Pirates (22-14, 6-5 American) who have now lost three in a row and once again were undone by untimely mistakes.
Anderson led off the bottom of the first with her bomb over the center field wall and Anna Sawyer followed with a double and Jenna Krol with a bunt single. The Pirates plated another run on Gabby Fowler’s ground out as ECU went into the second inning with a 2-0 lead.
Both teams struggled offensively over the next five innings but the Pirates still remained in control with a 2-0 lead heading into the seventh inning.
UAB led off the seventh with a solo homer from Ashlyn Shirah but the Pirates forced UAB’s next two batters into outs, setting up the potential final out of the game. The Blazers stayed alive due to an ECU error and UAB jumped in front 3-2 on a home run from Antonia Henderson.
ECU’s first two batters grounded out but Martineau hit a single to put the game-winning run at the plate. Mary-Kathryn Scott struck out on a dropped third strike but UAB failed to throw the ball to first, placing Scott on first and Martineau on second and giving the Pirates life.
The Pirates were unable to capitalize on the second chance, striking out to end the game.
Sydney Rainford (6-6) tossed a career-high six strikeouts in the loss while Caitlin Russell (4-5) picked up the complete game win.
Up Next
East Carolina will look to avoid a series sweep tomorrow at noon on ESPN+.