Bantams Split with #1 Ranked Gaston College

Game 1:

It came down to the wire in the second game on Saturday, April 6, as USC Union grabbed the victory in walk-off fashion, 5-4, over Gaston College Rhinos, who are ranked #1 in the nation for NJCAA Division I. The game was tied at four in the bottom of the seventh when Michael Barron doubled, scoring one run.

The Bantams made the score 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth after Brett Boone hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run, Tyler Strickland singled, scoring one run, and Colin Ingle doubled, scoring two runs.

Mason Stepp earned the win for USC Union, giving up five hits and two runs (one earned) over three innings, striking out two and walking two. Colby Helms led things off on the mound for the Bantams, allowing two hits and two runs (one earned) over four innings, striking out three and walking five.

Ingle seized on their opportunities, leading the Bantams with two runs batted in from the number nine spot in the lineup. The shortstop went 1-for-3 on the day. Kris Levensteins, Gram Morlan, Ingle, Strickland, Mason Elrod, and Barron each collected one hit for the Bantams. USC Union turned two double plays in the game.

Game 2:

USC Union defeated Gaston College Rhinos 2-1 in the second game on Sunday, April 7, after taking the lead late in the game. The game was tied at one in the bottom of the fifth when Mason Elrod singled, scoring one run.

Both teams were strong on the mound. USC Union pitchers struck out seven, while Gaston College Rhinos sat down four.

The Rhinos committed an error, which helped the Bantams tie the game at one in the bottom of the fourth.

Blake Baldwin earned the win for USC Union, surrendering three hits and one run over five and one-third innings, striking out six and walking five. Morrissette stepped on the bump first for Gaston College Rhinos, allowing eight hits and two runs (one earned) over five innings, striking out three and walking none. Jordan Fricks collected the save.

Brayden Corn, Vince Alvarez, and Elrod each collected two hits for USC Union.

Elrod led USC Union with one run batted in, going 2-for-3 on the day. The  Bantams were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Alvarez had the most chances in the field with seven.

USC Union Baseball was named this week’s Palmetto Baseball Team of the Week on Monday, April 8!

Stay tuned this weekend, as the Bantams take on Florence-Darlington Technical College!

Featured Image: Brayden Corn by Bruce Cook