Thousands of East Carolina fans stuck around through hours of rain and lightning delays to watch ECU host South Carolina baseball in the NCAA tournament Saturday night.
USC spoiled the party at Clark-LeClair Stadium, however, racing to an early lead and then holding on for a 4-2 win, moving just one victory away from a super regional berth.
Against Gamecock sophomore starter Cody Morris, the regional hosts got off to a strong smart with a leadoff double from sophomore left fielder Bryant Packard that thrilled the home crowd. However, senior catcher Hunter Taylor erased that momentum two at-bats later, catching Packard leaning after a ball in the dirt and throwing to second, sparking a rundown that retired him.