GREENVILLE, N.C. – Jack Sinclair had his best outing of the season, allowing just one run and striking out seven, to lead the UCF baseball team to a 6-1 win over seventh-ranked ECU to earn a series split Sunday afternoon at Clark-LeClair Stadium.
Sinclair's (2-4) seven strikeouts were a season best for the right-hander, as were his 7.0 innings pitched and 106 pitches. He allowed just four hits and walked only two to lead the Knights (19-21, 9-7) to their ninth American Athletic Conference victory of the season.
UCF's offensive support started in the second when Gephry Pena led off with a walk and came around to score when Pablo Ruiz drove him in with his first of two RBI on the day.
It was the third inning that made the difference though, as UCF put up four runs to take an early 5-0 lead that it never relinquished.
After two walks and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, Alex Freeland singled through the infield to drive in the first run of the frame. It was then Tom Josten who cleared the bases with a double to the left-centerfield gap to give UCF the big advantage.
The Pirates (28-7, 10-2) got one run back in the fifth with a solo home run from Zach Agnos, but that was all ECU was able to muster.
UCF got an insurance run in the top of the ninth when Ruiz drove in Freeland to make it 6-1.
Closer David Litchfield pitched the final two innings, allowing three hits, but no runs to secure the victory for the Knights.
The UCF bats were patient all day, forcing the ECU staff to record a season-high 10 walks, including six starter Tyler Smith (1-2).
Winning Pitcher: Jack Sinclair (2-4)
Losing Pitcher: Tyler Smith (1-2)
Top Pitchers: Jack Sinclair (7.0 IP, 7 K, 2 BB, 4 H, 1 ER), David Litchfield (2.0 IP, 1 K, 1 BB, 3 H, 0 ER)
Top Hitters: Alex Freeland (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 R, 2 BB), Tom Josten (1-4, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 1 BB)
Notes:
- The series split marked the only time this season that ECU did not win the series, in series with three or more games
- The Knights are not only the first team in the American Athletic Conference to split a series with ECU, but they are also the first team in the league to beat the Pirates once.
- Jack Sinclair recorded season highs of 7.0 innings pitched, seven strikeouts, and 106 pitches.
- Tom Josten hit his seventh double of the season, giving UCF five players with seven or more doubles
Next Up
The Knights will return home to host Memphis in a four-game AAC series, starting Friday, April 30 with a double header beginning at 2 p.m. UCF and the Tigers are then scheduled to play Saturday, May 1 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 2 at 1 p.m.
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