In a thrilling home opener at Smith Family Stadium, East Carolina edged out No. 23 Duke with a 5-4 victory, thanks to a crucial sacrifice fly in the seventh inning. The Pirates' win marks just their second triumph in the all-time series against Duke and their first in Durham.
Duke's offense was spearheaded by redshirt junior Jessica Oakland, who continued her impressive form with a 2-for-3 night, marking her fourth multi-hit game of the season. Graduate student Tyrina Jones made her presence felt early, blasting her sixth home run of the year to bring in two runs, including senior Aminah Vega, who had reached base with a single to center.
In the circle, the Blue Devils relied on the duo of redshirt freshman Ava Bradshaw and junior Larissa Jacquez. Bradshaw started strong, pitching the first four innings, while Jacquez took over in the fifth, providing three innings of relief.
The game saw its share of back-and-forth action. After Jones' early homer, East Carolina responded in the third inning, tying the game at 2-2. The Pirates then surged ahead in the fifth with Anna Sawyer's two-run homer, pushing the score to 4-2.
Duke wasn't done yet. Graduate student Jada Baker narrowed the gap with a solo home run, her second of the season, followed by redshirt junior Kairi Rodriguez's RBI single that brought sophomore Layla Lamar home to even the score at 4-4. Lamar had ignited the rally with a timely infield single.
However, East Carolina capitalized in the seventh. A leadoff single and a double set the stage, and a sacrifice fly brought in the decisive run, sealing the Pirates' 5-4 win.
Jones' performance was a highlight, as she launched her 20th career home run and notched her seventh multi-RBI game of the season, leading the team with 26 RBIs.
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils are set to face Boston University in the Duke Invitational, with the schedule adjusted for weather conditions. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra, promising more exciting action for fans.