Northridge turns back Pirates, 5-3

By ECU Sports Information
Published in Sports on March 11, 2010 2:20 PM

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NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- Drew Muren's fourth-inning, grand slam proved to be the difference as Cal State Northridge defeated 10th-ranked East Carolina 5-3 on Wednesday afternoon at Matador Field.

Muren belted Shawn Armstrong's one-strike offering over the right-field fence to give the Matadors a 5-2 lead. It was Armstrong's second homer of the season.

The Pirates (7-4 overall) threatened in the ninth inning.

Eastern Wayne alum and John Wooten reached second base on a throwing error. Corey Thompson walked and Cam Freeman was plunked by CSUN closer Jimmy Jolicoeur. Devin Harris grounded into a double play, which scored Wooten from third and trimmed the deficit to 5-3.

Jolicoeur coerced Austin Homan into a game-ending groundout, and earned his second save of the season.

East Carolina grabbed 1-0 and 2-1 leads on Kyle Roller's fielder's choice and Harris' RBI groundout, respectively.

Overall, the Pirates managed just five hits with Dustin Harrison recording two.

ECU begins a three-day series today at Pepperdine in Malibu.