SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Francis Marion scored 20 runs on 29 hits in two games as the 22nd-ranked Patriots took a Peach Belt Conference baseball doubleheader from 24th-ranked USC Upstate 12-2 and 8-3, Monday afternoon (Feb. 26) at Harley Park.
Francis Marion improves to 10-4 overall with its fifth straight win and to 4-2 in PBC play by sweeping the three-game series from the Spartans (10-6, 2-4).
FMU exploded for seven runs in the top of the second inning in game one, including an RBI single by first baseman Andy Howes, a two-run double by catcher Jared Barkdoll, and a two-run home run off the scoreboard in left field by designated hitter Michael Ward.
The Spartans got on the board in the bottom of the second with freshman designated hitter Jacob Breen driving in junior first baseman Kyle Bowley on a fielder’s choice, USC Upstate and plated another run in the third on an RBI single by Bret Story to cut the lead to 7-2. The Patriots put the game out of reach with two runs in the sixth inning courtesy of an RBI double by Barkdoll and a run-scoring single by Ward.
Barkdoll ended the first game 3-for-5 with four RBIs and two doubles, while Ward went 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Junior southpaw Michael Williams (3-0) picked up the win, giving up two earned runs in six innings on seven hits, while striking out six.
Sophomore second baseman Eric Guillen was 2-for-3 to lead Upstate. Freshman pitcher Thomas Campbell (2-1) took the loss, giving up seven runs (only one earned) on nine hits and struck out three.
After taking an early 1-0 advantage in game two, the Patriots scored three runs in the top of the third inning, including a two-run home run off the bat of right fielder Nick Stewart, to grab a 4-0 lead. The Spartans answered with a run in the bottom half on an RBI single by senior center fielder Bret Hansen, and scored again in the fourth on a run-scoring single from Caddell to cut the lead to 4-2.
The Patriots once again snubbed out Upstate’s efforts by putting the game away with three runs in the sixth inning, despite the Spartans scoring a run in the bottom of the sixth on a RBI fielder’s choice from Caddell.
Stewart was a perfect 5-for-5 with a home run, three RBIs, and three runs scored to lead Francis Marion in game two. His five hits were one shy of the Patriot single-game record. Center fielder Derek Kennamer was 3-for-5 with a triple and run scored. Junior right-hander Cole McKellar (1-0) picked up his first win as a Patriot.
Hansen, who reached safely in both games to continue his streak reaching base every game this season, was 2-for-5 with a RBI to lead Upstate and freshman third baseman Jake Rollins was 2-for-4. Caddell finished 1-for-5 with two RBIs. Bowley (1-2) picked up the loss pitching five innings and giving up seven earned runs on nine hits and struck out two.
FMU plays at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Wednesday at 3 p.m.
