By Staff
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Billy Godwin may have been glad to appear in Washington Tuesday evening, but he’ll be much happier when he’s in Omaha.
That’s the goal he has set for his East Carolina Pirates’ baseball team — a trip to Omaha, site of the College World Series.
Godwin is ready to play some “Billy Ball” as the season begins Friday. ECU will play host to Liberty in a three-game series at Clark-LeClair Stadium.
The second-year coach talked about his club during the annual Beaufort County Pirate Club 2007 Leadoff Party at Southern Cheers. Some 50 fans were in attendance, including Washington Pam Pack senior baseball player and ECU-signee Trent Whitehead.
Godwin is excited about the group that will take the field for him this season.
Godwin said his players are entering the season with plenty of confidence.
Pitching will determine just how well the Pirates do this season.
Like his players, Godwin is confident heading into the season. When a fan asked Godwin which teams to look out for in Conference USA, the Pirate coach quickly picked his club.
Godwin said his team will rely on its team speed offensively, though he does think his players can hit for power. He said his third-through-seven batters are capable of hitting 10 or more home runs this season.
When the Pirates take the field for Friday’s opener, which begins at 3 p.m., ECU will be without one of its players. Junior transfer Trent Ashcraft is out with a hip injury.
While the Pirates do return a few veterans, Godwin said some younger players will see action. He’s especially high on freshman infielder Broc Sutton, who has been seeing extensive practice time at third base.
Godwin does know that Drew Schieber will start at second base after hitting well in scrimmages.
Looking ahead to next year, Godwin said the team will get started at a later date.