Charlotte Baseball came close to a comeback but ultimately fell short, losing 6-5 to East Carolina in the winner’s bracket of the 2025 American Athletic Conference Championships on May 22. The No. 2 seed, Charlotte, had the tying run just 90 feet away and the winning run on first base in the ninth inning, but a strikeout ended their effort to extend their 10-game winning streak.
With the loss, Charlotte (36-21, 18-9 American) now faces an elimination game against South Florida on May 23. The Niners initially took a 3-2 lead early in the game thanks to a pivotal three-run home run from their designated hitter, who had a standout performance with four RBIs. The team relied heavily on Martin, who had significant contributions both at bat and on the mound.
East Carolina opened the scoring with two runs in the second inning following a strong offensive push, loading the bases with three consecutive hits. Despite Charlotte’s efforts to respond immediately with a home run, they found themselves trailing again after ECU hit a two-run homer to take the lead in the sixth inning.
In a dramatic ninth inning, Charlotte’s bats came alive again, beginning with a single and followed by a double that put two runners in scoring position. Through a series of hits, they managed to score twice, narrowing the difference to just one run. However, an unfortunate strikeout sidelined their chances, leading to a desperate but unsuccessful conclusion to the game.
Looking ahead, the Niners are set for a challenging matchup against South Florida, where they must win to keep their championship hopes alive. This situation underscores the resilience of the team; despite setbacks, they remain competitive and eager to fight for victory in the upcoming elimination game.
As Charlotte prepares for this crucial encounter, fans can remain hopeful that the team’s determination and ability to rally can lead to a successful turnaround against South Florida.