CONWAY, S.C. (Interstat) — A pitchers’ duel turned into a late-inning eruption as Coastal Carolina scored six runs in the eighth to defeat East Carolina 7-1 on Saturday at Springs Brooks Stadium, securing a series victory.

The game was a stark contrast to the previous night’s offensive display, which Coastal Carolina won 10-6. For seven innings, starters Ross Norman of Coastal Carolina and Gavin Van Kempen of East Carolina engaged in a tense standoff.

East Carolina’s Braden Burress launched the game’s first pitch from Norman down the left field line for a solo home run, providing the Pirates with an immediate but fleeting lead. That would be the only blemish on Norman’s line, as the right-hander masterfully controlled the Pirates’ lineup thereafter.

Van Kempen was even more dominant for East Carolina. The Pirates’ starter carried a no-hit bid into the fifth inning and finished with a remarkable line: seven innings pitched, allowing no hits, one unearned run, and striking out 11. His only run allowed came in the fourth when Coastal Carolina’s Cole Chamberlain lifted a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Caden Mitchell, who had walked and advanced to third on a single by Colby Thorndyke.

The game remained deadlocked at 1-1 into the bottom of the eighth, setting the stage for the decisive rally. Van Kempen was relieved by Brett Antolick, who immediately hit leadoff batter Blake Mihos. A sacrifice bunt attempt by Sam Barthol was misplayed by East Carolina second baseman Ryan Jacome for an error, putting two runners on.

After a popout, Coastal Carolina’s Rex Watson stepped in. On a 1-1 count, Watson crushed a three-run home run to deep right field, clearing the bases and giving the Chanticleers a 4-1 lead. The floodgates then opened. Thorndyke singled for his third hit of the day, stole second, and scored on an RBI double by Chamberlain. Pinch-hitter Brice Estep then capped the inning by launching a two-run homer to left, extending the lead to 7-1.

The six-run inning was charged to Antolick, with only two of the runs earned due to the critical error.

Norman earned the win for Coastal Carolina, delivering eight strong innings. He allowed just one run on four hits, striking out four and walking none. His performance marked a dramatic turnaround from his two previous starts, where he surrendered 14 earned runs in just 3 1/3 combined innings. Daniel Parker pitched a scoreless ninth to close out the game.

The most important part of the game was unequivocally the bottom of the eighth inning. After seven innings of stifling pitching from both sides, Coastal Carolina capitalized on a defensive mistake and unleashed a barrage of extra-base hits, transforming a tense tie game into a comfortable victory. Watson’s three-run blast was the pivotal swing, turning a precarious situation with two on into a commanding lead.

With the win, Coastal Carolina improved to 9-5-1 overall. East Carolina fell to 7-7-1. The teams conclude their three-game series on Sunday.