Sutton, Pirates shutout Iona, 3-0

East Carolina advances to play Texas in another elimination game

Facing elimination in the Austin Regional, East Carolina (43-17) opted to start Faith Sutton in the circle against Iona.

The sophomore responded by continuing her strong finish to the season, as she allowed just two hits over seven shutout innings in the Pirates’ 3-0 victory over the Gaels. The win improved Sutton’s record to 13-7.

Following three scoreless frames, East Carolina broke through with three runs in the fourth.

Christina Merrida led off the inning with a single and she advanced to second on a throwing error by the second baseman. Vanessa Moreno bunted her to third and Marina Gusman-Brown’s groundball to shortstop scored her when the throw to the plate wasn’t in time.

The big blow came when Sissy Jiminez delivered a two-run shot to extend the margin to 3-0.

Iona (28-26) didn’t have many chances, but they did manage to have runners on the corners in the bottom of the fifth. The Gaels weren’t able to push a run across, though. Chelsea Sheehan grounded out to first base to end the threat.

The Pirates’ Sutton would retire the next six Iona batters she faced in order and ensure her team of advancing to play Texas later Friday evening.