Memphis Takes Series Over East Carolina with 9-4 Finale Victory

Sunday, May 3

Memphis, Tenn.

1:05 p.m.

University of Memphis

18-28, 10-11

East Carolina

29-19-1, 29-19-1

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
East Carolina	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	4	8	1
Memphis	0	0	3	2	3	0	0	1	X	9	8	3

Memphis Takes Series Over East Carolina with 9-4 Finale Victory

May 03, 2026 | Baseball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis (18-28, 10-11 American) baseball team secured a series victory over East Carolina (29-19-1, 13-8 American) with a 9-4 win in Sunday's rubber match at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.

The Tigers used a pair of multi-run innings early and a clutch three-run blast in the fifth to build a comfortable lead, while the pitching staff held the Pirates to four runs on the day. Memphis tallied nine runs on eight hits and drew six walks, capitalizing on timely hitting and ECU miscues to take the series.

On the mound, Seth Garner (1-5) earned the win, tossing 4.0 innings while allowing just one run and striking out six. Logan Rushing followed with 3.0 scoreless innings in relief, surrendering just one hit while striking out three. Davis Oswalt closed out the game, working the final two innings.

Memphis will take on Central Arkansas on Tuesday in the final home midweek game of the 2026 season. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field,

HOW IT HAPPENED

East Carolina struck first in the opening inning, taking a 1-0 lead on an RBI single.
Memphis answered in the third with three runs, capped by a two-run home run from third baseman Freddy Rodriguez.
The Tigers added two runs in the fourth on RBI hits from right fielder Marcus Smith and catcher Trae Cassidy.
Memphis extended the lead to 8-1 in the fifth on a three-run homer by second baseman Shane Cox.
The Tigers tacked on another run in the eighth on an RBI groundout from Rodriguez.
East Carolina scored three runs in the ninth, but Memphis held on for the 9-4 win.

NOTABLES

With the win the Tigers claimed their first series win over East Carolina since the 2015 season.
Shane Cox stole a base for the Tigers, bringing the team's season total to 103 steals, which ranks in the top 30 nationally and first in the conference.
- The 103 steals are the fifth-most in a single season in school history.
- Cox recorded his 10^th stolen bag of the season.
Second baseman Shane Cox came up clutch for the Tigers again, going 2-for-3 with a home run, three runs scored, a walk and three RBI.
- Cox blasted a three-run dinger in the fifth inning, putting the Tigers up 8-1 at the time.
- The homer was his 49^th hit of the year, tied for most on the team.
- Now totals 23 RBI on the season and a team-high 15 multi-hit games.
Catcher Trae Cassidy capped off his big weekend with a 2-for-3 performance including a double, a run scored, a walk and two RBI.
- Cassidy collected his 30^th hit of the season on Sunday.
- For the series Cassidy batted .571 (4/7) with a double and two RBI.
Third baseman Freddy Rodriguez launched a two-run shot to left in the third inning.
- Rodriguez finished the day 1-for-4 with a run scored, a walk and three RBI.
- His homer was his third of the season and his 49^th hit, tied for most hits on the team.
- Recorded his second game this season with three or more RBI.
Right fielder Marcus Smith had a solid day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
- Tallied his 15^th hit and fourth multi-hit game of his 2026 campaign.
Starting pitcher Seth Garner recorded the win in a predetermined four-inning start.
- Garner's final line was 4.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB and 6 Ks.
- His six strikeouts are his most in an outing this season.
Logan Rushing entered the game in relief and tossed three scoreless innings.
- His final line was 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R and 3 Ks.

SCORING SUMMARY

Top 1:
Davin Whitaker singled, Braden Burress scored.
Memphis 0, ECU 1

Bottom 3:
Trae Cassidy singled, Shane Cox scored.
Freddy Rodriguez homered, Trae Cassidy scored.
Memphis 3, ECU 1

Bottom 4:
Marcus Smith singled, James Smith IV scored.
Trae Cassidy doubled, Michael Gupton scored.
Memphis 5, ECU 1

Bottom 5:
Shane Cox homered, James Smith IV and Michael Gupton scored.
Memphis 8, ECU 1

Bottom 8:
Freddy Rodriguez grounded out, Shane Cox scored.
Memphis 9, ECU 1

Top 9:
Braden Burress singled, Brayden Bachman scored.
Jack Herring singled, Austin Irby and Braden Burress scored.
Memphis 9, ECU 4

UP NEXT

Memphis will be back at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field Tuesday for the final home midweek game of the season against Central Arkansas. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.