Pirates run-ruled by UNC at home for first time since 2007

by | Feb 21, 2026

The ECU Baseball team dropped a 10-0 decision to No. 10 North Carolina, being run-ruled for the first time by UNC since 2007.

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Photo credit: (ECU Sports Information)

By ECU Sports Information

The lights dimmed over Clark-LeClair Stadium on Friday night as the East Carolina Pirates were shut out, 10-0, by No. 10 North Carolina, marking the first time since 2007 that the Tar Heels have run-ruled ECU.

In a rivalry that is typically decided by the narrowest of margins, 10 of the last 11 meetings have been decided by three runs or fewer, the Pirates have consistently matched the North Carolina Tar Heels baseball pitch for pitch. Friday, however, proved to be an exception.

North Carolina strung together offense in just three of the eight innings, with the game’s first two runs coming on a pair of solo home runs. On the mound, Tar Heel starter Jason DeCaro was dominant, tossing a complete-game shutout and limiting the Pirates to five hits over eight innings.

East Carolina Pirates baseball was led at the plate by Braden Burress, who went 3-for-4 on the night, while Grady Lenahan and Davin Whitaker added hits of their own. The Pirates, however, were unable to push a run across.

Clark-LeClair Stadium also welcomed a few new Pirate debuts, as Matt Lashley recorded his first appearance at the plate and helped turn a double play, while Blade Carver made his first appearance as a pinch hitter.

Despite Friday’s result, the series continues Saturday at a neutral site, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. The finale will then shift to Chapel Hill on Sunday, where North Carolina will host a 1 p.m. start.

Fans are encouraged to follow ECU Athletics for the latest updates and coverage throughout the weekend series.

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