East Carolina University’s baseball squad clinched a decisive 13‑3 victory over Wichita State in eight innings, securing a place in the championship game of the 2026 American Baseball Championship.
The win marks the fourth time in the past five seasons that the Pirates have advanced to the conference title match, underscoring their sustained dominance in the tournament.
Key contributors such as Braden Burress, Michael Kalinich and Grady Lenahan drove the offense, with Burress sparking the scoring with a bunt single, Kalinich delivering RBI singles in the third and seventh innings, and Lenahan sealing the win with a two‑run homer in the eighth.
Walker Barron added a two‑run RBI single in the sixth, while the Pirates’ pitching limited Wichita State to scores only in the fourth and fifth frames.
A Title Game with Stakes
The championship showdown will pit ECU against top‑seeded UTSA, a clash that could deliver the Pirates’ fifth title in the competition’s recent history.
Fans can expect a high‑intensity contest as both teams bring formidable lineups and a history of tight games, making the upcoming final a must‑watch event for collegiate baseball enthusiasts.