News Summary
The East Carolina University baseball team has secured its place in the NCAA Tournament after an impressive performance in the AAC Tournament, winning all four games, including an 8-2 victory over Tulane in the final. Marking a significant turnaround in their season, the Pirates, now with a 33-25 record, will face Florida in the Myrtle Beach Regional opener on May 30. Freshman Braden Burress, named tournament MVP, played a pivotal role in this championship run, showcasing the resilience and skill of the team.
Greenville, NC – The East Carolina University (ECU) baseball team has punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament after a stunning performance in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament. The Pirates, who entered the tournament as the sixth seed, won all four of their games to clinch the conference championship, culminating in an 8-2 victory over Tulane in their final match. This remarkable run has earned them a spot in the Myrtle Beach Regional, hosted by Coastal Carolina, where they will face Florida in their opening game on May 30.
ECU’s path to the championship was marked by determination and skill, culminating in their final game performance, which featured a pivotal five-run inning that helped secure their victory over Tulane. The win not only solidified their championship status but also showcased the team’s resilience and ability to rise to the occasion.
In the NCAA Tournament opener, the Pirates will square off against the Florida Gators, with additional matchups including top-seeded Coastal Carolina facing Fairfield, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) champion. Specific game times and television coverage details are anticipated to be released later this week, providing fans the opportunity to support their team from the stands or at home.
With a final record of 33 wins and 25 losses (33-25) for the season, this championship run marks a significant turnaround for the Pirates, who have navigated a challenging path throughout the season. The performance in the AAC Tournament has effectively rejuvenated their season and outlook as they advance to the national stage.
One standout player from the tournament was freshman Braden Burress, who was named the tournament MVP due to his exceptional play. Burress entered the postseason with an impressive batting average of .392 and has recorded 16 stolen bases. His contributions were vital in the Pirates’ success during the conference tournament, and his continued performance will be crucial in the upcoming NCAA games.
Looking back, the Pirates’ season has had its fair share of ups and downs. In 2025, they encountered limited opportunities against ranked teams and faced a tough challenge when they were swept by the University of North Carolina in a three-game series held in various locations including Greenville, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Additionally, they lost two out of three games against then-No. 24 Coastal Carolina in another challenging series, which included a finale that extended into extra innings.
Despite these challenges, the team has rallied together and demonstrated significant growth and development throughout their season, culminating in this breakthrough performance in the AAC Tournament. The Pirates’ ability to adapt and thrive under pressure has set the stage for a promising NCAA Tournament appearance, giving hope to fans and the community that another successful chapter in Pirates baseball may be just beginning.
As the NCAA Baseball Tournament approaches, the East Carolina Pirates will look to carry the momentum from their conference championship and build on the notable performances that have defined their postseason journey thus far. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how the Pirates fare against one of the top teams in the nation as they attempt to make a statement in the regional competition.
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Additional Resources
- ECU Football Game Times and TV Picks
- Star News Online: ECU Baseball NCAA Tournament
- Coastal Carolina Sports: Conway NCAA Baseball Regional
- Florida Gators Sports: ECU vs Florida in NCAA Tournament
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA Baseball Tournament
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
