GREENVILLE, N.C.- Eighteen games against seven teams that participated in the 2003 NCAA Tournament, including a road series at 2003 NCAA Super Regional participant Arizona State, highlight East Carolina's 2004 baseball schedule announced by second-year head coach Randy Mazey Thursday. ECU will host 35 games at Harrington Field including the first annual Keith LeClair Invitational Tournament featuring Georgia Southern and Clemson.

The Pirates open the 2004 season hosting UNC Asheville for a three-game series, Feb 13-15. After eight home games, ECU hosts the First Annual Keith LeClair Invitational, Feb. 27-29. The Pirates then travel to Tempe, Ariz., to face the Sun Devils, who finished in the Top 10 in every major college poll and set a NCAA record with 14 grand slams in 2003.

ECU will also face instate and ACC rivals Duke and N.C. State twice each. ECU travels to Durham April 7 and Raleigh April 21. The Blue Devils visit Greenville on May 5 while the Wolfpack will be in Greenville on May 12. ECU also hosts instate schools Appalachian State, Campbell, North Carolina A&T and 2003 NCAA participant UNC Wilmington. The Pirates welcome Charleston Southern and Marshall to Harrington Field before beginning Conference USA play at home against 2003 NCAA Participant Tulane.

"Once again, our nonconference schedule is very competitive," Mazey said. "We're excited about hosting the First Annual Keith LeClair Invitational Tournament. Conference USA, having sent four teams to the NCAA Tournament, has proven to be one of the top conferences in the country. So, we're looking forward to this upcoming season."

East Carolina returns 19 lettermen including seven starters from last season's squad that finished 34-27-1 and advanced to its fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament. Conference USA action kicks off with the home series against the Green Wave March 19-21. ECU hits the road for two C-USA series at Memphis (March 26-28) and instate rival Charlotte (April 2-4). The Pirates then host three of their next four home series: USF (April 9-11), Louisville (April 23-25) and Houston (April 30-May 2). ECU travels to Cincinnati (April 16-18) after its home series with Memphis.

ECU finishes up the 2004 regular season schedule with two of its final three conference series on the road. The Pirates travel to Saint Louis, May 7-9, before returning home to wrap up the home schedule with TCU (May 14-16). The Pirates conclude the regular season in Hattiesburg, Miss., against defending Conference USA champions Southern Miss (May 20-22).

The Pirates' final five home games will be played in Kinston so construction for the new stadium can begin. Due to the rotating conference schedule, ECU will not face UAB this season. The 2004 Conference USA Tournament will be held in Houston, May 26-29.