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ELON, N.C. -- East Carolina turned to normal Saturday starter Ryan Williams out of the bullpen to lead the Pirates to an 11-4 victory over the Elon Phoenix at Latham Park on Wednesday afternoon.

East Carolina (12-14) was the first to score, getting solo homers from both Chase McDonald and Bryan Bass in the top of the second.  

Elon (14-11) came right back with four runs in the last of the second.  The Phoenix loaded the bases with a Ryan Kinsella double, a walk to Antonio Alvarez and a Niko Fraser single before Wil Leathers lined one to center for a sacrifice fly to make it 2-1.  Blaine Bower then connected on a 2-2 pitch from starter Nick Durazo and deposited his first career homer over the 12-foot wall in left to put Elon on top 4-2.

The Phoenix lead remained 4-2 until the top of the fifth when the Pirates tied it on a two-run homer off the bat of Jay Cannon.  East Carolina took the lead for good in the sixth, scoring three times.  With two runners aboard, pinch-hitter Zach Houchins lined a double to left-center to score both runners, making it a 6-4 game.  He later scored on an Elon error.

East Carolina tacked on a single run in the seventh before scoring three times in the ninth to make it 11-4.

Tyler Manez (0-2) took the loss in relief of Jacob Baker.  Manez was charged with three runs (two earned) on three hits in an inning and a third.  Baker struck out a career-high seven hitters in 4.1 innings and gave up four runs on four hits.

Williams (5-1) retired all 13 batters he faced, striking out seven.  Durazo was chased from the game after 4.2 innings.  He allowed four runs on four hits.

Elon will remain at home this weekend to battle Davidson in a three-game Southern Conference series.  Friday's series opener will begin at 6 p.m. and the teams will play a 3 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday to conclude the set.