FLORENCE, S.C.— Junior first baseman Chris Hutto hit a two-run homer as 27th-ranked Francis Marion University built an early 8-0 lead en route to an 8-3 non-conference win over Claflin University, Tuesday afternoon (March 20) in college baseball action.

Francis Marion (20-11) earns its 20th win of the season, while Claflin drops to 9-14. 

FMU sophomore catcher Jared Barkdoll was 2-for-3 and drove in two runs with run-scoring singles in the first and fourth frames. Freshman designated hitter Ryan Hewitt also drove in a pair of runs with a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly.

Hutto’s home run came as part of a five-run fourth inning for the Patriots, who led 8-0 after five innings.

Freshman left-hander Cory Deering (2-0) won his second career start, as he allowed only one hit in five scoreless innings.

Claflin righty James McDonald was tagged with the loss. Panther centerfielder John Moody was 2-for-5, including a run-scoring double. Trivon Howard and Eric Jordan also had run-scoring hits for Claflin.