The improbable worst-to-first season of the Navy Midshipmen that saw them win the Patriot League (33-24-1) has come to an end Saturday at Davenport Field in Charlottesville, VA. The East Carolina Pirates (39-20) defeated the Midshipmen 6-1, eliminating Navy from postseason play.
East Carolina starting pitcher Seth Maness was simply too much for Navy, as he threw a complete game five hitter, surrendering only one earned run. He struck out four and walked two batters, in the process lowering his ERA to 1.58. Chase Mcdonald was the star at the plate for the Pirates, going two for four with a home run and four runs batted in.
Navy starter Sam Long gave the Midshipmen six innings, but five walks came back to hurt him, and he allowed three runs (two earned) on the day. Reliever Preston Gainey fared even worse, allowing three earned runs in his three innings of work. The Navy bats were Nats-esque on the afternoon, as they could only muster one extra base hit among their five total knocks.
East Carolina will face the winner of Virginia and St. John's Sunday (it will be an elimination game for the Pirates). The Cavaliers and Red Storm face off at 6:00 P.M. Saturday.