GREENVILLE, N.C. – Luke Watts allowed just one run through six innings for Appalachian State University baseball, but East Carolina scored three runs to in the seventh to make the final score 4-0 on the final day of the Keith LeClair Classic on Sunday afternoon.
The Mountaineers (5-6) were held scoreless for the first time this season, unable to overcome the ninth-ranked Pirates' (8-3) starter, who struck out eight on the day and allowed just two hits.
ECU got on the board in the second putting up one run off of a triple down the right field line that was driven home on a sacrifice fly. Off back-to-back singles and a walk to load the bases, the Pirates then brought home the final three runs over the course of the seventh inning. Right-handed pitcher Matt Brill entered in relief with bases loaded to strike out two and force an infield fly get the Black and Gold out of the jam.
Defensively, Avery Jackson shined at second base, assisting on six of first-baseman Conner Leonard's 10 putouts on the day.
After a strong pitching performance in yesterday's win over Western Carolina, Colin Schmid played the designated-hitter role this afternoon, being one of two App State hitters to go 1-3 (Leonard).
Watts finished with two strikeouts in 6.0 innings, throwing 60 strikes on the day. Brill made his fourth appearance this season to close, going 2.0 innings, striking out four overall and allowing no hits or runs on the afternoon.
After 11 away matches to begin the 2017 season, the Mountaineers will host their season opener on Tuesday, March 7 against UNC Asheville. First pitch is scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. at Smith Stadium.
