Wooten delivers walk-off single
By MOC Sports Information
Published in Sports on April 19, 2010 1:46 PM
ECU Sports Information
GREENVILLE -- John Wooten delivered the game-winning walk-off single and No. 26-ranked East Carolina nipped Conference USA rival UAB 6-5 in 12 innings on Sunday afternoon.
The Pirates (24-12 overall, 6-3 CUSA) extended their win streak to six games.
Kyle Roller got plunked to start ECU's rally and moved into scoring position on Daniel Warzon's sacrifice bunt. Wooten followed with the game-clinching, RBI single as Roller crossed the plate to give the Pirates their first sweep of a league opponent this season.
Zach Wright slugged his team-leading 11th home run in the first inning.
ECU built a 3-0 lead before three sixth-inning errors allowed the Blazers to go in front 4-3. The Pirates answered in the bottom half of the inning when Jared Avchen stroked his third homer of the season.
Wooten put the Pirates back on top 5-4 when he crossed home on a passed ball in the seventh inning. The freshman shortstop drew a lead-off walk and moved to third on an errant throw by the catcher Jacob German, who tried to throw Wooten out at second on his stolen base attempt.
Overall, 10 Pirates collected hits on the afternoon with Roller leading the way with his 3-for-4 performance from the dish. Joining Roller with multiple hits were Devin Harris, Trent Whitehead and Wooten -- who each recorded two base knocks.
Avchen (7), Wooten (6) and Harris (5) each extended their current hit streaks, while Roller reached base safely in 35th consecutive game when he doubled in the third inning.
Seth Simmons (2-1) worked 3 2/3 innings of perfect relief to notch his second win of the season. Starter Kevin Brandt, who faced one over the minimum through four innings, had another quality outing allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits with six strikeouts. Freshman lefty Jake Harris fanned the lone batter he faced in he eighth before being lifted for Shawn Armstrong, who allowed one run on one hit in a full inning of work.
ECU travels to Campbell on Tuesday.