Pirates power past Old Dominion

From electronic and staff reports
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East Carolina benefitted from three home runs over the first six innings and erupted for four runs in the ninth to capture a 10-4 victory over Old Dominion Wednesday afternoon in Norfolk.

Senior third baseman Corey Thompson hit a solo shot in the top of the first to give the Pirates the initial advantage.

The teams played a nip-and-tuck affair over the next four innings with ODU getting a key lift from senior shortstop Josh Wright's two-run homer in the bottom of the third that put the Monarchs in front 3-2.

East Carolina (4-0) temporarily regained the lead on a two-run blast by Jack Reinheimer in the top of the fifth. It was the sophomore shortstop's second round-tripper of the year.

The Monarchs (2-2) knotted the score in the bottom of the frame when Wright doubled, stole third and came home on a wild pitch.

Junior first baseman John Wooten slapped a two-run home run in the top of the sixth to give the Pirates the lead for good.

East Carolina added insurance in the ninth inning, batting around and scoring four runs on the strength of five hits and an error by ODU's Wright.

Junior righthander Andy Smithmyer (1-0), who relieved starter Joseph Hughes with the Pirate trailing 3-2 after three innings, gave up four hits and one run over the next three frames and got credit for the victory.

Erick Backer (1-1), who retired only two batters and gave up two runs after taking over in the fifth for starter C.J. Huyett, took the loss for the Monarchs.

The Pirates will try to keep their unbeaten season going when they face Purdue on Friday, the first day of the Keith LeClair Classic at Clark-LeClair Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.

PAGE UPDATED 02/23/12 05:44 AM.

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