GREENVILLE, Pitt County — Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 was Opening Day across the country for college baseball.

East Carolina opened its season against the Rider Broncos out of New Jersey.

One special moment for the Pirates had nothing to do with scoring a run or even hitting the ball.

Parker Byrd, an ECU recruit who lost one of his legs in a boating accident, stepped to the plate and drew a walk.

For Byrd, the at-bat and bases on balls was special, considering he's had 22 surgeries on that leg.

The Pirates had an offensive explosion at the plate, getting the win 16-2.

Manager Cliff Godwin. he was even fighting back tears watching Byrd out there.

Across the parking lot at the softball diamond, the Pirates took on Fairfield, looking to stay unbeaten.

Tied 1-1, Joie Fittante drove in the winning run for a 2-1 victory to get to 8-0.

N.C. State's baseball team opened its season with a 6-1 win over VCU and No. 1 Wake Forest started off strong with a 9-3 victory over Fordham.

The Duke Blue Devils got their season off the bat, taking on Indiana in the Baseball on the Beach Invitational in Myrtle Beach.

Duke got it done over the Hoosiers, 6-3.

North Carolina also opened the year with a win, 10-3, over Wagner.

Campbell took a loss in its opening game, falling 20-8 over No. 17 UC Santa Barbara.

In high school basketball, West Craven took on Southwest Edgecombe in their regular season finale.

The Eagle boys fought to a 48-44 win.