Pirates’ rally falls short against Florida Atlantic, 3-2

by | Apr 19, 2025

The East Carolina softball team nearly pulled off the upset but fell short against Florida Atlantic on Friday, falling 3-2.

The Pirates and Owls complete their series on Saturday afternoon at noon.

Below is a report from ECU Sports Information with more details.

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Photo credit: (ECU Sports Information photo)

By ECUPirates.com

The East Carolina softball team dropped the second game of its series against Florida Atlantic, 3-2, as the Pirates’ rally came up short on Friday evening at Max R. Joyner Family Stadium.

Anna Sawyer went 2-for-3 at the plate while Gabby Fowler hit a two RBI double but the Pirates (25-21, 10-10 AAC) were unable to come up with the game-tying or go-ahead run in the final three innings of the game. Trinity Nichols also had a strong all-around game with a hit, five putouts and three assists at third base.

Florida Atlantic’s first two batters got on base to start the game and a two RBI double gave the Owls an early 2-0 lead. After a one-two-three bottom of the first for the Pirates, FAU added another run to take a three-run lead going into the bottom of the second.

The Pirates would strand a runner in the bottom of the second and third innings but Taylor Apple slowed down the Owls’ offense in the circle to keep ECU within striking distance.

Logan Sutton would reach on an Owls’ error with two outs in the bottom of the fourth and Sawyer’s second single of the day advanced Sutton to second. ECU’s two runners advanced to third and second respectively on a passed ball and Fowler hit a ball that dropped in between two Owls infielders to score both Sutton and Sawyer, pulling the Pirates within a run.

In the bottom of the fifth, Nichols hit a ball that had a chance to stay fair but the game-tying potential home run drifted to the outside of the foul pole as the score stayed 3-2 at the end of the fifth inning.

ECU had chances in the sixth and seventh inning but the Owls’ defense prevented the Pirates from getting into scoring position as the Owls clinched the series.
Apple (11-8) put up a valiant effort in the circle, tossing five strikeouts in seven innings.

Up Next
East Carolina closes out the series with Florida Atlantic tomorrow at noon on ESPN+.

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