GREENVILLE, N.C. (Interstat) — The East Carolina Pirates erupted for 11 runs in the first inning and cruised to a 15-5 victory over the Charlotte 49ers in American Athletic Conference baseball Saturday at Clark-LeClair Stadium.

The Pirates sent 15 batters to the plate in the opening frame, pounding Charlotte pitching for eight hits, including a two-run homer by Ryan Herring. Charlotte’s Alec DeMartino hit a solo home run and a two-run double, finishing 3 for 4 with three RBIs. Todd Hudson also had three hits for the 49ers.

East Carolina improved to 20-12 overall. Charlotte fell to 18-13. The Pirates swept the three-game series, having won 12-2 and 12-9 in the prior two meetings.