ECU Baseball Opens 2026 Season Hosting Xavier

Greenville, N.C. – East Carolina University’s baseball team is gearing up for the 2026 season, beginning with a three-game homestand against Xavier University at Lewis Field at Clark-LeClair Stadium. This series marks a return to competition against a Big East opponent, following a successful 11-2 victory over Georgetown in 2023.

A Season of Momentum

The Pirates concluded the 2025 season with a 35-27 overall record and a 13-14 mark in the American Conference, finishing fourth in the regular season. Their postseason performance was particularly strong, culminating in an undefeated run through the conference tournament and securing a berth in the NCAA Regionals. The 2026 roster will feature a blend of experience, with 20 returning players, and fresh talent, welcoming 21 newcomers.

Did You Know? Head Coach Cliff Godwin earned his 428th career victory at ECU on May 22, surpassing Gary Overton as the program’s all-time winningest coach.

Godwin’s Legacy and Key Players

This will be the 12th season under the direction of Head Coach Cliff Godwin, who has amassed a career record of 432-214-1. Godwin’s leadership has resulted in eight consecutive seasons with either a regular-season conference title or a conference tournament championship, including the program’s fourth conference tournament championship in 2025 and its 34th NCAA Regional appearance.

Left-handed pitcher Ethan Norby is expected to lead the pitching rotation. Last season, Norby logged 90 innings, achieving an 8-5 record with 119 strikeouts – tied for the third-most in a single season in program history. Sophomore standouts Braden Burress and Austin Irby, both Freshman All-Americans in 2025, are also poised to make significant contributions. Burress led the team with a .389 batting average and 82 hits, while Irby was a dependable defender, appearing in every game.

New Faces in the Lineup

Adding to the Pirates’ potential is Gavin Van Kempen, a transfer from West Virginia, who is slated to start on Saturday. Van Kempen was a Preseason All-American Third Team selection in 2025, recording a 2-0 record with 37 strikeouts across 39.2 innings. Incoming freshman Grady Lenahan, ranked No. 8 on D1Baseball’s 2026 Impact Freshman List, and Colby Weber, ranked No. 36, are also expected to contribute.

Expert Insight: The influx of both transfer talent like Gavin Van Kempen and highly-ranked freshmen such as Grady Lenahan and Colby Weber suggests a strategic effort to bolster the roster with immediate impact players, potentially accelerating the team’s competitive trajectory.

Scouting Xavier

The Pirates will face a strong Xavier team that finished the 2025 season with a 35-27 overall record and a 14-7 mark in Big East play. Xavier navigated a challenging schedule, including matchups against ranked opponents like No. 1 Tennessee and No. 2 LSU. The Musketeers won five of their seven weekend series and finished among the league’s top five teams.

Looking Ahead

Following the opening series against Xavier, East Carolina is scheduled to play a midweek game against Campbell in Buies Creek, followed by a home game against Northern Illinois. The game against Campbell is set for 5:00 p.m. EST, and the game against Northern Illinois is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. EST.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the East Carolina baseball season begin?

The East Carolina baseball season begins with a three-game homestand against Xavier University at Lewis Field at Clark-LeClair Stadium.

What was East Carolina’s record in the 2025 season?

East Carolina finished the 2025 season with a 35-27 overall record and a 13-14 record in the American Conference.

Who is East Carolina’s head coach?

East Carolina’s head coach is Cliff Godwin, who is entering his 12th season with the program.

With a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, what impact do you anticipate the Pirates’ pitching staff will have on their success in the 2026 season?