GREENVILLE, N.C. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF baseball team notched its second come from behind win in as many days against East Carolina. The Knights posted a nine run eighth inning to earn the victory at Clark-LeClair Stadium Friday.
Down 2-0, Third baseman Kam Gellinger was hit by a pitch with one out. Outfielder Bryce Peterson came on to pinch hit and ripped a double down the left field line. After a pitching change, center fielder Luke Hamblin bounced a high chopper to second base and beat the throw to first, Gellinger scored on the play.
Right fielder Eli Putnam was then hit by a pitch to load the bases before second Baseman Matthew Mika grounded to third. ECU cut the run at the plate but was unable to double up Mika at first.
Now with two outs, UCF took advantage of a struggling Pirate bullpen. Left fielder Kyle Marsh drew a walk that forced home the tying run and first baseman Rylan Thomas hit a shallow pop of the end of the bat. The ECU second baseman made a diving play but couldn't come up with ball. Thomas reached on what was scored an error while Putnam and Mika both scored.
Designated hitter Ryan Crile and short stop Brennan Bozeman drew back-to-back walks to load the bases again. Gellinger came up to bat again, and saw a pitch he like on just the second offering by the Pirates reliever. He drove the ball well over the wall in right field for a grand slam, his first home run of the season.
Right hander Jason Bahr then came on to pitch in the eighth and retired the Pirates in order. Bahr continued into the ninth where he gave up a single and a home run that cut the lead to 9-4. He would retire the next three hitters in order with three fly balls to secure the win.
Senior starter Juan Pimentel threw seven quality innings for the Black and Gold, giving up just two runs on 10 hits. He earned the win, improving to 6-2 one the season, after his team rallied in the top of the eighth.
First pitch for Saturday's series finale is set for noon. Listen to every pitch on iHeart Radio and FM 96.9 The Game, with the voice of the Knights, Marc Daniels on the call. Fans can also click here to follow along via live stats or watch a live stream via the ECU website.
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