UNCW’s Ryan Jeffers plays hero in 13th to defeat Coastal Carolina 2-1

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Ryan Jeffers ended a marathon game with a two-run homer in the bottom of the 13th inning to lift UNCW to a 2-1 win over nationally-ranked Coastal Carolina on Wednesday at Brooks Field.

The Seahawks ran their record to 22-14 with the extra inning win while the Chanticleers dropped to 26-13. The win halted a seven-game losing skid for the Seahawks in the series and gave them a 2-2 mark against nationally-ranked opponents this season.

Zack Canada and Jeffers held game-high honors with two hits apiece and the round tripper was the 11th for Jeffers on the season.

UNCW reliever Luke Gesell (1-0) earned the win, striking out the only batter he faced in the top of the 13th.

Patrick Orlando (2-2) took the loss for the Chants, tossing 3 2/3 innings of relief.

Coastal Carolina, which was ranked 20th in the D1Baseball poll earlier this week, was held to five hits on the night, including just one over the final six innings. The lone hit was a RBI single by Kevin Woodall with two out in the top of the 13th.

Up next: The Seahawks return to Colonial Athletic Association play beginning on Friday with the opener of a three-game series hosting Towson. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.

How it happened: Trailing 1-0 with two outs in the bottom of the 13th, Canada was down to his last strike when extended the inning with a single to left. Jeffers stepped to the plate and two pitches later homered over the wall in left center to deliver a Seahawk win, 2-1.

Inside the box score: UNCW and Coastal combined to go 1-for-19 with RISP, Coastal was 1-for-13 … Coastal landed its leadoff hitter on base in six innings … UNCW finished with three two-out hits, including Canada and Jeffers in the 13th … Coastal stranded 11 baserunners and UNCW eight.

Notes: Tonight was the longest game for the Seahawks since a 13 inning 1-0 win over visiting UNCG during the 2004 season … Jeffers’ homer was the lone extra base hit for the game … The last at-bat win was the seventh for the Seahawks and the second via the home run (Levi Gesellvs. Princeton, Mar. 4) … Mason Berne saw his hitting streak snapped at 16 games, but did reach base for the 30th consecutive game with a walk in the seventh inning … Both teams combined for 12 pitchers used on the night … The win was the 16th of the season for the UNCW bullpen.