Feb 22: USC Union vs USC Sumter
Game 1: In a commanding performance, USC Union triumphed over USC Sumter with a decisive 9-2 victory in their season opener held on February 22, 2025, in Union, SC. The game showcased USC Union’s offensive prowess and solid pitching, marking a strong start to their season.
USC Union set the tone early, scoring two runs in the first inning. M. Kirksey’s groundout allowed J. Jackson to score, followed by M. Scott’s RBI single that brought A. Talarico home. The third inning saw USC Union extend their lead with a powerful two-run homer by M. Elrod, bringing the score to 4-0. B. Richards further solidified their lead with a two-RBI double, making it 5-0.
USC Sumter managed to get on the board in the fifth inning with Q. Gammage’s RBI single, scoring J. Cowart. They added another run in the sixth inning when B. Fraga reached first on an error, allowing C. McMeans to score an unearned run.
However, USC Union quickly responded in the sixth inning. E. Everett scored on a wild pitch, and M. Elrod continued his stellar performance with a two-RBI single, bringing the score to 8-2. USC Union’s pitching staff, led by C. Bay, effectively silenced USC Sumter’s offense, allowing only four hits and two runs over seven innings.
Key Performances:
– M. Elrod was the standout player for USC Union, contributing significantly with a home run, a single, and four RBIs.
– USC Union’s B. Richards also made a notable impact with a two-RBI double.
– On the mound, C. Bay secured the win for USC Union, pitching five solid innings with two strikeouts and allowing just one earned run.
USC Sumter struggled to find their rhythm against USC Union’s formidable lineup and pitching, managing only four hits throughout the game. Despite their efforts, they were unable to overcome USC Union’s early lead and consistent scoring.
The game, held without spectators, highlighted USC Union’s readiness for the season, showcasing their potential as a strong contender. As the season progresses, USC Union will aim to build on this victory, while USC Sumter will look to regroup and improve in their upcoming matchups.
Game 2: In a dramatic and high-scoring baseball showdown, USC Union narrowly defeated USC Sumter 15-14 on February 22, 2025, at Union, SC. The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with both teams displaying explosive offensive performances.
The visiting USC Sumter initially took control in the third inning, capitalizing on USC Union’s errors to score four unearned runs. C. McMeans and D. Dampier were instrumental in this early surge, contributing to the team’s lead.
USC Union responded swiftly in the bottom of the third, with A. Talarico launching a three-run homer to level the score. The inning continued with USC Union taking a 5-4 lead, demonstrating their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
The game continued in a back-and-forth fashion, with USC Sumter regaining the lead in the fourth and fifth innings, highlighted by H. Moss’s solo home run and N. Foster’s two-RBI double, pushing the score to 12-5 in favor of USC Sumter.
However, USC Union was not to be outdone. They mounted a comeback in the fifth and sixth innings, narrowing the gap with key hits from G. Underwood and M. Scott, who hit a two-run homer, bringing the score to 12-10.
The eighth inning proved pivotal for USC Union as they surged ahead with a four-run rally, thanks to crucial hits from H. Friend and E. Everett, who drove in multiple runs to give USC Union a 14-12 lead.
USC Sumter fought back in the ninth inning, tying the game at 14-14 with patient at-bats that resulted in walks and pressure on USC Union’s pitching staff. However, USC Union’s A. Talarico sealed the victory with a walk-off double in the bottom of the ninth, driving in J. Jackson to clinch the 15-14 win.
USC Union’s victory was marked by clutch performances and timely hitting, ultimately allowing them to edge out their rivals in a thrilling contest.
Feb 24: USC Union VS Erskine JV
Game 1:On February 24, 2025, the USC Union Bantams showcased their resilience and offensive prowess in a comeback victory against Erskine College JV, securing an 8-4 win under the lights. The game, held at USC Union, saw the Bantams overcome an early deficit to claim victory.
Erskine College JV jumped to an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a walk to Thornton and a sacrifice fly by Martin, which brought home two runs. Pinson’s walk further extended the lead to 3-0. The second inning saw Campbell double, allowing Randolph to score and pushing Erskine’s lead to 4-1.
However, the Bantams were quick to respond. In the bottom of the first, Mikey Scott‘s single brought home Talarico, putting the Bantams on the scoreboard. A wild pitch in the second inning allowed Richards to score, narrowing the gap to 4-2.
USC Union’s offense truly ignited in the fourth inning. Kirksey’s single drove in Jackson, and Underwood’s sacrifice fly brought Kirksey home, tying the game at 4-4. The momentum continued in the fifth inning when Talarico’s single drove in Everett and Jackson, giving the Bantams a 6-4 lead. Mason Elrod then sealed the inning with a two-run homer, extending the lead to 8-4.
The Bantams’ pitching staff, led by Logan Kolesha, who earned the win, effectively shut down Erskine’s offense in the latter innings. Kolesha pitched 3.1 innings, allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out four.
Erskine’s pitchers struggled with control, issuing eight walks, which contributed significantly to their downfall. Driggers, who pitched 3.1 innings for Erskine, allowed three earned runs on four hits.
The game highlighted USC Union’s balanced attack, with contributions from multiple players. Talarico was particularly impactful, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two stolen bases. Josh Jackson also had a strong performance with three stolen bases and two runs scored.
The Bantams’ victory showcased their ability to rally and execute under pressure, reinforcing their competitive spirit as they look forward to the rest of the season.
Game 2: In an exhilarating game on February 24, 2025, the USC Union Bantams narrowly defeated the Erskine College JV team with a final score of 12-11. The matchup was held at USC Union, and both teams displayed impressive performances, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The USC Union Bantams started strong, scoring four runs in the first inning, thanks to a sacrifice fly by Nicholas Pinckney and a series of hits by Cohl Harding and Colin Ingle. They continued their momentum with a home run by Alex Kiniry in the fourth inning, pushing their lead further.
Erskine College JV, however, staged a remarkable comeback in the fifth inning. They scored nine runs, capitalizing on USC Union’s fielding errors and wild pitches. Key contributions came from Bryson and Campbell, who drove in crucial runs, and Ashley and Martin, who took advantage of defensive lapses.
Despite Erskine’s surge, the Bantams managed to regain control. In the fifth inning, they responded with three runs, aided by Kiniry’s strategic play and Elrod’s swift base running. The Bantams added a run in the seventh and another in the eighth, securing their narrow victory.
For USC Union, Alex Kiniry was a standout, hitting a crucial home run and contributing significantly to the team’s scoring. Robbie Murphy and Colin Ingle also made notable impacts with their batting prowess.
USC Union’s pitching was a collective effort, with Cade Goings earning the win after a solid performance in the final innings. While the team faced challenges in the fifth inning, they managed to hold off Erskine’s advances in the latter part of the game.
Erskine’s pitchers faced a tough challenge against USC Union’s aggressive batting lineup. Despite their efforts, the team struggled to contain the Bantams’ scoring, particularly in the early and late innings.
The game was a testament to the competitive spirit and skill of both teams. USC Union Bantams’ ability to withstand Erskine College JV’s fierce comeback and secure a victory highlights their determination and teamwork. Both teams showcased remarkable talent, promising an exciting season ahead for baseball enthusiasts.
March 1 & 2: USC Union vs USC Salkehatchie
Game 1: In a commanding performance on March 1, 2025, the USC Union Bantams secured a decisive 8-0 victory over USC Salk at their home field. The game, which started at 5:00 PM, saw the Bantams not only overpower their opponents offensively but also deliver a no-hitter, thanks to the exceptional pitching of Carson Bay.
The Bantams took control early in the game, scoring two runs in the second inning. Mikey Scott scored on a wild pitch, followed by Justin Skorupski driving in Gavin Underwood with a single, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
In the fifth inning, the Bantams extended their lead with a five-run explosion. Aiden Talarico singled to bring Josh Jackson home, and Mason Elrod reached base on an error, allowing Talarico and Markus Kirksey to score. Mikey Scott then hit a triple, bringing Elrod home and subsequently scoring himself to cap off the inning.
The sixth inning saw the Bantams add another run as Kirksey doubled, bringing Talarico home once again, solidifying their commanding lead.
Carson Bay was the star of the game, pitching a complete seven-inning no-hitter. He faced 23 batters, striking out six and allowing only two walks. Bay’s performance was instrumental in keeping USC Salk scoreless and highlighted his dominance on the mound.
The Bantams’ offense was led by Aiden Talarico and Markus Kirksey, both contributing significantly with multiple hits and RBIs. Talarico showcased his speed and skill with two stolen bases, while Josh Jackson also impressed with a double and a stolen base.
The USC Union Bantams displayed a well-rounded and dominant performance against USC Salk. With Carson Bay‘s no-hitter and a robust offensive strategy, the Bantams showcased their prowess.
Game 2: In an exciting college baseball game on March 1, 2025, the USC Union Bantams defeated USC Salk with a decisive 11-3 victory. The match, held at USC Union, showcased strong performances from both teams, but the Bantams’ offensive power proved too much for USC Salk.
The Bantams quickly took control in the first inning with four runs, capitalizing on USC Salk’s defensive errors. Josh Jackson scored on a catcher error, followed by Aiden Talarico scoring on a shortstop error. Mason Elrod scored on a wild pitch, and Nick Barcelo’s triple brought Mikey Scott home.
In the second inning, USC Salk attempted a comeback with two runs. Villella reached on a pitcher error, allowing Rogers to score, and Denton hit a single that brought Villella home.
USC Union continued to add runs in the second, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. Notable contributions came from Mason Elrod, who hit two doubles and scored twice, and Josh Jackson, who showcased his speed with two stolen bases and a triple.
Blake Baldwin earned the win for USC Union, pitching five innings with five strikeouts and allowing three runs. Colin Ingle provided strong relief, striking out five over three innings without giving up any runs. For USC Salk, Castles struggled, allowing six runs in two innings.
Josh Jackson was a standout for the Bantams with three hits, two RBIs, and two stolen bases. Mason Elrod also shone with two doubles and two RBIs. For USC Salk, Villella was a key player, scoring two of their three runs.
Game 3: In a commanding display of baseball prowess, the USC Union Bantams clinched an emphatic 11-1 victory over USC Salk on March 2, 2025. The game, held at USC Union, saw the Bantams’ offense firing on all cylinders, while their pitching staff effectively stifled the Salk lineup.
The Bantams wasted no time in asserting their dominance, scoring three runs in the first inning. A combination of errors and powerful hits, including doubles from Mason Elrod and Gavin Underwood, allowed the Bantams to capitalize on USC Salk’s defensive lapses. The momentum continued into the second inning, where USC Union added five more runs, highlighted by Markus Kirksey‘s crucial double that drove in three runs.
Kirksey was a standout performer, driving in a total of five runs, including a two-run homer in the fifth inning that sealed the Bantams’ commanding lead. Aiden Talarico also contributed significantly with two RBIs and a stolen base, showcasing the Bantams’ aggressive base-running strategy.
On the mound, Logan Kolesha pitched three solid innings for USC Union, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out one batter. Will Wesley followed with two hitless innings, striking out two and maintaining the Bantams’ defensive stronghold.
Despite some promising moments, including a hit from Villella, USC Salk’s offense was largely neutralized by the Bantams’ pitching.
The game highlighted USC Union Bantams’ comprehensive team effort, combining strategic hitting, solid pitching, and effective base-running.
The Bantam Blog 