News Summary
The East Carolina University baseball team, led by Coach Cliff Godwin, successfully navigated a tough regular season to sweep the AAC tournament and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. With a 35-27 record, they reached the regional final but fell short. The offseason presents challenges as key players consider transfers, though there is optimism regarding the return of talented athletes. The upcoming season holds promise for the Pirates as they aim for continued success.
Greenville, NC – The East Carolina University baseball team has showcased its potential after a challenging regular season, ultimately excelling in the postseason. Under the leadership of 11th-year head coach Cliff Godwin, the Pirates managed to sweep the American Athletic Conference (AAC) tournament, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament for the seventh consecutive year.
The Pirates concluded their season with a record of 35-27. They made a strong showing in the NCAA tournament, reaching the regional final against the host Coastal Carolina. However, the team fell just short of advancing to the Super Regionals, marking a notable end to their season that had begun with struggles.
Looking ahead, attention now shifts to the offseason, where fans are hopeful to maintain the core group of young players who have demonstrated considerable talent throughout the season. However, the team faces challenges with notable player departures. Sophomore pitcher Brad Pruett has transferred to the University of Georgia, while freshman pitcher Lance Williams has made an unexpected move to the University of Maryland. Additionally, pitcher Bradley Zayac entered the transfer portal following a successful outing in the regional.
Despite these transfers, the Pirates are optimistic about retaining their key frontline pitchers and the entire core of position players, which is expected to return for the upcoming season. The NCAA transfer portal is currently open until July 1, potentially influencing further player decisions.
Among the players committed to returning for the 2026 season are key contributors such as:
- Sean Jenkins: A freshman pitcher, Jenkins finished the season with a record of 4-4, a 5.12 ERA, and tallied 52 strikeouts over 70.1 innings.
- Ethan Wallace: A sophomore infielder who posted a batting average of .269, hit 10 homers, and earned 42 RBIs while also contributing as a pitcher with a 6.39 ERA.
- Carter Norby: An All-American pitcher, Norby completed his season with an 8-5 record and a 3.80 ERA, amassing 119 strikeouts in 90 innings.
- Braden Burress: A freshman outfielder and infielder, Burress recorded an impressive .389 batting average, a .488 on-base percentage, and led the team with 18 stolen bases.
- Ryder Irby: Finished with 10 hits during the regional, 12 homers throughout the season, and a batting average of .303, while tallying 50 RBIs.
- Jack Herring: Transitioning well to Division I, Herring ended the season with a .302 batting average and demonstrated significant all-around hitting ability.
- Walker Barron: A reliable catcher who started 60 of 62 games, he posted a .250 batting average, 31 RBIs, and showcased excellent defensive statistics.
- Braxton Tramel: A freshman infielder/outfielder who hit .345 with a 1.001 OPS over 24 games before suffering an injury.
- Alex Moran: A veteran left-handed pitcher returning for his final year with a record of 1-1 and a 4.99 ERA.
- Alex Peltier: A freshman outfielder noted for his speed and defensive skills, who recorded a .211 batting average and 47 strikeouts.
- Alex Bouche: Primarily utilized as a pinch-hitter and designated hitter, he ended the season with a .251 batting average and six home runs.
- Davin Whitaker: A reserve outfielder with a .188 batting average and two home runs, known for his ability to play multiple outfield positions.
The combination of retained talent and the overall challenge of player transfers will shape the future of East Carolina’s baseball program as they prepare for the next season. The Pirates’ promise is evident, and the upcoming offseason will be critical in determining how the team positions itself for another competitive run.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
East Carolina Baseball Team Eliminated from NCAA Tournament
East Carolina Baseball Faces Coastal Carolina in Must-Win Game
2025 Entertainment Guide for Tidewater and Outer Banks
ECU Pirates Baseball Coach Ties All-Time Wins Record
North Texas Softball Falls to ECU in Weekend Opener
East Carolina Pirates Defeat USF in AAC Tournament Opener
Braden Burress Leads East Carolina to Victory Over South Florida
UTSA Roadrunners Defeat ECU Pirates on Senior Day
UNT Softball Prepares for Crucial Series Against ECU
ECU Baseball Secures Key Win Against Rivals
Additional Resources
- ECUPirates: Pirate Trio Garners Perfect Game Postseason All-America Accolades
- Wikipedia: NCAA Baseball Tournament
- Palm Beach Post: Florida-East Carolina Baseball Channel, Time & TV Schedule NCAA Baseball Tournament
- Google Search: East Carolina baseball
- ECUPirates: Four Pirates Earn All-AAC Postseason Honors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Reflector: Pirates Win AAC Tournament, Headed to NCAA Regionals
- Google News: ECU baseball 2025
- 247 Sports: ECU Baseball Four Players Earn All-Conference Honors
