Irby’s Homer Powers ECU to Conway Regional Final Win

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    CONWAY, S.C. — East Carolina University, driven by freshman Austin Irby, secured an 11-4 victory over Florida in the Conway Regional on Sunday, setting up a crucial final against Coastal Carolina. Irby continued his outstanding performance in the tournament, launching a home run for the third consecutive game.

    With this win, the Pirates (35-26) advanced past Florida after an earlier defeat on Saturday against Coastal Carolina with a score of 18-7. To clinch a spot in the super regionals, ECU must overcome Coastal Carolina in back-to-back games Sunday night. Unfortunately for Florida (39-22), their ambitions for a third consecutive appearance at the College World Series were dashed.

    Irby has been stellar, going 9-for-14 with seven RBIs over the three regional games. Against the Gators, he went 2-for-4 and brought in two runs, including a single in the third inning and a home run in the fourth, which propelled the Pirates to an 8-1 lead.

    Braden Burress, another freshman standout from East Carolina, achieved a 3-for-5 outing with three RBIs, boosting his season batting average to .401.

    East Carolina’s freshman starter, Lance Williams, pitched a remarkable five innings, conceding three runs on three hits and two walks, marking his best performance of the season. Jake Hunter closed the game with four scoreless innings, securing the win for the Pirates.

    For Florida, Pierce Coppola (2-2) struggled, giving up three runs, two earned, over two innings. Bill Barlow, who replaced Coppola, could not stem the tide, allowing three runs without recording an out. The Gators fell short with runners in scoring positions, managing only 1-for-12 in such circumstances.