Softball Blanks Wichita State 5-0 To Even Series

GREENVILLE, N.C. – Backed by a complete game shutout from freshman RHP Erin Poepping, ECU defeated Wichita State 5-0 Saturday afternoon to even the teams’ American Athletic Conference series at the ECU Softball Stadium.

The Pirates are just the second team to shut out the Shockers in league play this season as Wichita State entered the weekend batting .315 in conference games.

Team Records

Wichita State: 28-18, 10-7 AAC

ECU: 23-27, 8-9 AAC

How it Happened

Poepping limited Wichita State to one hit through the first two innings, allowing ECU to take the lead for good in the home half of the second frame. Redshirt sophomore Tate McClellan doubled to left field, senior Alex Mycek walked and junior Ashley Weingartz loaded the bases when the Shockers were unable to throw McClellan out at third on a ball on the infield. Senior Karlie Smith came through in the next at bat, depositing a 1-2 offering into right center to score two and give the Pirates a 2-0 advantage. Freshman Tyler King then added a run on a sacrifice fly later in the frame to leave the Purple and Gold with a 3-0 lead after two complete innings.

McClellan and Mycek put the Pirates back in business with one out in the bottom of the third when they drew consecutive walks. Weingartz then reached on an infield single to load the bases once more. Smith promptly extended the ECU lead to 4-0 with a sacrifice fly before the inning came to an end.

Sophomore Olivia Narron capped the scoring in the bottom of the fourth when she reached second on a throwing error to lead off the frame. She moved to third on a groundout and scored on a wild pitch to push the Pirate cushion to 5-0. The Shockers attempted to rally in the top of the seventh when Bailee Nickerson singled and pinch hitter Neleigh Herring was hit by a pitch, but a fielder’s choice force play at third and a fly ball to right field quickly ended the game.

Pitchers of Record

WP – Erin Poepping (13-12)

LP – Caitlin Bingham (2-5)

Top ECU Performers

Karlie Smith: 1-for-2, Run, 3 RBI, SF

Tate McClellan: 1-for-3, Run, 2B, Walk

Erin Poepping: 7.0 IP, 0 Runs, 3 Hits, 0 Walks, 5 Strikeouts

Top Wichita State Performers

Bailee Nickerson: 2-for-3

Asea Webber: 1-for-3

McKenzie Weber: 2.2 IP, 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Walks, Strikeout

Things To Note

ECU recorded its first-ever win over Wichita State, improving to 1-2 in the all-time series.

Poepping twirled her second complete-game shutout of the season and first since the season-opening 4-0 win over St. John’s. She threw 61 strikes in 82 total pitches.

The Pirates snapped the Shockers’ seven-game streak of hitting at least one home run as Wichita State was limited to just three singles.

ECU improved to 12-12 at home this season.

The Pirates were 3-for-4 with a runner on third and less than two outs.

Up Next: ECU looks to win its third-straight American Athletic Conference series when it hosts Wichita State for Senior Day Sunday at 11 a.m.