Elon hurlers issue free passes in 6th

By ECU Sports Information
Published in Sports on May 9, 2012 1:48 PM

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ECU Sports Information

GREENVILLE -- East Carolina literally walked its way past in-state rival Elon University, 4-0, at Lewis Field inside Clark-LeClair Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Scoreless through 51/2 innings, Pirates freshman Drew Reynolds drilled a lead-off single up the middle. John Wooten followed with a one-out, base hit through the left side that put runners on first and second.

Reynolds and Wooten advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch by Phoenix hurler Andrew MacDonald. Zach Wright grounded out to shortstop against a drawn-in infield for the second out.

MacDonald intentionally walked Jack Reinheimer to load the bases. John Antonelli replaced MacDonald on the mound and issued a bases-loaded, RBI walk to pinch-hitter Nick Thompson. Philip Clark and Ben Fultz each drew an RBI walk to put extend the No. 30-ranked Pirates' lead to 3-0.

A wild pitch led to ECU's final run.

MacDonald (4-3) suffered the loss in his second start of the season. The southpaw surrendered three runs (all earned) on five hits, while walking two and striking out a pair in a career-high 52/3 innings.

Andy Smithmyer (4-2) earned the win for the Pirates after pitching a career-best 62/3 scoreless innings. The junior college transfer allowed just four hits, while walking three and striking out five.

Reynolds, from Cherryville, emerged the lone ECU batter to record a multiple-hit outing (2-for-4).

The Pirates play host to No. 8-ranked North Carolina today. First pitch is 6 p.m.