CONWAY, S.C. – The Coastal Carolina University baseball team (19-10) scored seven runs in the first three innings and broke a three-game losing streak in a 9-7 win over the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (17-12) 9-7 April 7 in Conway, S.C.

UNC Wilmington scored a run in the first on an RBI single from Matt Sutton, but Coastal grabbed two in the bottom of the frame with two outs. Junior Brett Grandstrand (Newcastle, Wash./Liberty) singled to center field and sophomore Mike Costanzo (Springfield, Pa./Archbishop Carroll) hit his 12th home run of the year to right center field. Coastal scored four in the second, helped by a Seahawk error and a three-run double from senior Ryan McGraw (Saginaw, Mich./Nouvel Catholic Central). Sophomore Michael DeJesus (Manapalan, N.J./East Caroiina) also drove in a run on a sacrifice fly. The Chants added a run in the third on an unearned run that scored Costanzo.

A single by Grandstrand that scored freshman Josh Eachues (Newberry, S.C./Newberry) gave Coastal an 8-1 lead, but UNCW put a five-spot up in the sixth. Two walks with the bases loaded an an RBI single by Pat Murphy cut the lead to 8-4. Tim Preston scored on a fielder’s choice and Murphy scored on a Coastal error that closed the gap to two runs.

Grandstrand drove in pinch runner Jonathon Mason (San Antonio, Texas/Texas-Pan American) with the ninth run. Grandstrand now has driven in six runs the last three games. The Seahawks were threatening in the seventh at Nate Eichhorn doubled in Sutton to cut the lead to two. Senior Steven Carter (WIndsor, Ontario/St. Anne’s) got Preston to pop out and Matt Denson to strike out to end the threat.

The win was picked up by Costanzo, who went 5.1 innings, strking out five and giving up five earned runs and seven hits. It was his third win of the year. Carter earned his second save, striking out three in the process.

The loss went to Ronald Hill, who dropped to 6-3. Hill gave up four earned run in 1.1 innings.

McGraw went 2-for-4 with three RBI, while Grandstrand and Eachues had two hits apiece.

UNCW had four players with two hits apiece, Aaron Smith, Sutton, Murphy and John Raynor.

Coastal goes back into Big South play Friday, April 9, against the Virginia Military Institute. Game time is at 2 p.m.