Making his first career start, Patrick Pinkney was outstanding, as he passed for 406 yards and three touchdowns to pace the Pirates offensive attack. The second-best passing game in school history, Pinkney led the Pirates up the field all night.
Hartman bounced back after missing three 30+ yard field goal attempts to kick the game-winner.
Tailback Chris Johnson tallied five catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns receiving, and he added another score on the ground.
Pierre Bell led the defense with seven tackles while Mark Robinson added two sacks.
East Carolina improved to 1-1 on the season, and the Pirates appear to have found a star in Pinkney.