GAFFNEY, S.C.— Francis Marion, ranked No. 15 in the latest NCAA Division II baseball poll, defeated Limestone College 15-5 on Tuesday afternoon at Saints Field. The Patriots improve to 18-7 while Limestone stands at 13-12.

Ed Paul (Summerville, S.C.) got the win after pitching the first eight innings. He recorded two strikeouts and allowed 11 hits. Brandon White (Summerville, S.C.) closed for Francis Marion and recorded one strikeout in the final inning.

Josh Joseph (Axton, Va.) took the loss for Limestone after he gave up seven earned runs in the first 3 2/3 innings. Michael McAbee (Boiling Springs, S.C.), Marques Kyles (Spartanburg, S.C.), and Evan Denton (Gastonia, N.C.) also pitched in the loss. Kyles posted two strikeouts while Denton struck out three FMU batters.

Limestone’s Justin Moore (Mt. Holly, N.C.) and Josh Izokovic (Shelby, N.C.) were both 2-3 at bat. Adam McSwain (Fallston, N.C.) was 2-5. Izokovic and Drew Lydon (White Plains, Md.) hit doubles, and Phillip Soden (Inman, S.C.) hit a triple.

The Patriots’ Jared Barkdoll (Greencastle, Pa.), who batted 2-4, hit a grand slam home run and had five RBIs during the game. Cameron Asbill (Overland Park, Kan.) was 3-4 with 3 runs scored. Vince Farfaglia (Saratoga, N.Y.) was 2-4 with 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored.  

The Saints hosts Millersville on March 12-13. Game time is slated for 2 p.m. on both days. The Patriots travel to Anderson, S.C., on March 11 to face Anderson University at 3 p.m.

The Automated ScoreBook
Francis Marion at Limestone
Mar 11, 2008 at Limestone College (Bob Prevatte Field)

Francis Marion 15

Limestone 5