2008 Woodie Awards
Ray sparks Pirates in time of need
Godwin's decision pays off in win
Kellen Holtzman
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Sports
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ODU pitcher Ryan Bergh, who had given up just three hits and no runs through 5 1/3 innings, was replaced by lefty Kyle Hald after two Pirates reached base.
Godwin countered by pinch hitting Jamie Ray in the Designated Hitter's spot for power-hitting Kyle Roller.
Ray answered the call with a three-run shot over the left field fence to give ECU a 3-2 lead.
ECU added an insurance run in the seventh to earn the victory.
"He [Ray] swung the ball so well in batting practice," Godwin said of the decision. "I just had a hunch that he was going to go up there and do something well against that left-hander. It was just great to see our senior leadership go up there and step up like that on the field and do something positive."
The game-winner was Ray's first long ball since May 5 of last year, when he dialed up a grand slam against Houston.
It was also Ray's fourth career home run as a pinch hitter.
"It's pretty tough," the Casar, NC native said of his reserve role. "You just have to make sure you stay in the game. I go in there and take 20 after every inning to make sure I'm loose just in case, whenever coach needs me."
Junior Stephen Batts started the deciding inning with a one-out walk before Corey Kemp advanced Batts to third base by smacking a deep fly ball to the right, which eluded the outstretched glove of the ODU right fielder.
After a disappointing start against NC State last week, freshman Sthil Sowers bounced back with the longest outing of his career. In his third winning effort of the season, Sowers made it through 6 1/3 innings and allowed just two runs on six hits.
"I'm starting to settle down a little bit," said Sowers." "… The fifth inning has always been a tough one for me to get through. I feel like I've settled down a lot more now and being able to get through that fifth is something to take advantage of."
After the career-long outing against the Monarchs, Sowers now owns a 3-2 record and seems to have solidified his spot as ECU's top midweek starter.
"I'm his own worst critic, but I was really pleased with the effort he gave me to get us through six [innings] right there," Godwin said of the 6-foot-2 North Lenior High School product. "It was really good on his behalf to go out there and do that. We've got to give him some confidence."
ODU opened up the scoring with an RBI groundout off the bat of Chris Keenan in the second inning. The Monarchs added another run in the third when first baseman Bryan Cipolla singled to center field, plating Max Most, who had walked and stole second.
ODU also gave ECU a little more than it bargained for in the top of the ninth.
Pirates' reliever Josh Ruhlman had already given up two walks when Godwin brought on freshman Brad Mincey, who inherited two outs and a 2-0 count. Mincey gave up another walk to load the bases but battled back with a strikeout to end the game and earn his first career save.
Corey Kemp, who started the game playing third base before eventually moving to catcher, offered the freshman some encouragement on a trip to the mound.
"He's a young guy and he's done pretty well for us this year," said Kemp. "That's a pressure situation to come in right there. I just told him to settle down and throw his game; do the things that he's done all year. "
Godwin felt fortunate to get the win after March's date with the Monarchs yielded a combined 33 runs.
"Old Dominion has a great club," said Godwin. "It's a good win to come out and get. Our guys are still a little road weary from getting back at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning [from Hattiesburg, Miss]. It was really a good win against a quality club, no doubt."
ECU loaded the bases in the seventh courtesy of a single from freshman Trent Whitehead and back-to-back bunts from Bobby Fowler and Harrison Eldridge. Kemp drew a two-out walk to add the insurance that made the score 4-2.
The Pirates combined for just seven hits on the night, all by different players.
ECU will now look ahead to this weekend's upcoming series against Marshall. The Thundering Herd have had a less than impressive season this far but are holding strong at 4-4-1 in the ever competitive Conference USA.
"We're just glad to be back at home," said Godwin. "It's just another weekend; we've got a good opponent so we're going to have to be sharp when we come out. It's going to be a big weekend for us. We need to get back and have a great weekend and try and get back in the hunt again for the conference championship."
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com
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