ELON, N.C. – Elon University baseball could not slow the No. 8 East Carolina bats as the maroon and gold dropped the first game of the two-game series 15-0 on Friday night, March 26 at Latham Park.

ON THE MOUND
Ben Simon was handed the loss after the true freshman was tagged for six runs on five hits and one walk. He recorded one strikeout and faced seven batters. Joe Savino then took over and did not give up a run through 5.2 innings in relief. He allowed four hits, issued three walks and struck out four. Ian Evans, Will Gambino, Ben Sieracki and Liam Dabagian also made appearances.
 
AT THE PLATE
Alex Iadisernia led the Phoenix (5-10) at the plate with a 2-for-3 outing and added a stolen base. Anthony Galason and Jarrett Pico both hit 1-for-2 for the team's other hits, and Pico also drew a walk.

THE RUNDOWN
ECU came out hot right out of gate with a six-run top of the first. Connor Norby homered on the third pitch of the game before Simon struck out the ensuing batter. After back-to-back singles to right, a hit through the left side made it a 2-0 lead before a walk ran the bags full. Another hit to right then made it 3-0 and with runners still at every base. A Ryley Johnson hit through the right side plated two more runs, and a sacrifice bunt back to Savino then made it a 6-0 Pirates (17-4) lead.

The Phoenix had an opportunity to convert in the third as Iadisernia hit a two-out single back up the middle. The Jackson, N.J. native then moved up as Galason was hit by a pitch ad proceeded to steal third base. However, ECU starting pitcher Gavin Williams was able to get Cole Reynolds to chase the 3-2 pitch to get out of the inning.

The visitors extended their lead with another eight runs on three hits and an error in the top of the seventh. ECU's C.J. Boyd then homered to the gap in left as the solo shot in the top of the ninth made it 15-0.

NOTES
- ECU now leads the all-time series 54-31-1 and is 17-7-1 when playing at Latham Park.
- Savino now owns 20 strikeouts this season, which ties for the team lead with Brian Edgington and Simon.
- Savino threw 54-of-96 pitches for strikes.
- Iadisernia now has eight multi-hit games, which leads the Phoenix.
- Iadisernia has stolen successfully in 2-of-4 attempts this season.
 
UP NEXT
Tomorrow's game has been moved up to a 12 p.m. start in an effort to avoid inclement weather expected in the area.