April 26, 2002

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis baseball dropped a 3-0 decision to No. 14 East Carolina at AutoZone Park on Friday night.

The Pirates plated runs in the first, third and eighth innings and three runs were all East Carolina starter Sam Narron needed, as the 6'7" lefty scattered six hits over 8.0 innings and picked-off three Tiger base runners to improve to 7-2 on the season.

Senior right hander Nick Steht matched Narron every step of the way, allowing just two runs (one earned) on six hits and struck out five over 6.2 innings to keep the Tigers in the ballgame. Steht retired eight-consecutive Pirate hitters over one span from the third through the fifth inning.

Sophomore left fielder Josh Payne was 2-for-4 and senior catcher Barrett Smith was 2-for-3 to pace the Tiger offense. Smith had the best Tiger opportunity to break-up the shutout when he singled toward the right side of the infield with two on, but the Pirate shortstop made a tough diving play to keep the ball in the infield and thwart a serious Tiger threat in the bottom of the fourth.

Memphis is back in action tomorrow when it hosts East Carolina in the second game of a three-game Conference USA set at AutoZone Park at 2 p.m.