Game 1: On March 15, 2025, the USC Union Bantams delivered a commanding performance against the USC Lancers, securing a decisive 10-2 victory in a baseball matchup that showcased their offensive prowess and solid pitching.
The game, held at the Lancers’ home field, started with the Bantams quickly taking control. In the first inning, Gavin Underwood‘s single drove in Mason Elrod and Markus Kirksey, giving the Bantams an early 2-0 lead. The second inning saw the Bantams extend their lead to 5-0, with runs batted in by Kirksey, Underwood, and Justin Skorupski.
Aiden Talarico emerged as a standout performer for the Bantams, hitting two home runs during the game. His first was a three-run shot in the third inning, followed by a solo homer in the seventh. Talarico’s performance was instrumental in the Bantams’ offensive onslaught, contributing four RBIs.
Mason Elrod also made significant contributions, both at the plate and on the field. Elrod hit a home run in the third inning and finished the game with two hits, three runs, and one RBI. The Bantams’ offense was relentless, accumulating 16 hits in total and capitalizing on the Lancers’ defensive errors.
On the mound, Carson Bay delivered an impressive performance, pitching six innings and allowing only one earned run on four hits while striking out three. Bay’s efforts were supported by relievers Braeden Campman and Landon Akins, who combined to maintain the lead and secure the win.
The Lancers struggled to find their footing throughout the game. Despite a brief moment of hope in the second inning when Jon Barschow drove in Zach West, the Lancers were unable to mount a significant comeback. Their only other run came in the seventh inning, scoring on a passed ball.
CJ Lincoln, the starting pitcher for the Lancers, faced challenges from the outset, conceding nine runs on 12 hits in just three innings. Although reliever Evan Allen managed to hold the Bantams scoreless during his three innings on the mound, the damage had already been done.
Overall, the USC Union Bantams demonstrated their offensive depth and pitching strength.
Game 2: In a decisive matchup on March 15, 2025, the USC Union Bantams showcased their offensive prowess against the USC Lancers, securing a 10-3 victory at the Lancers’ home field. The game, which started at 7:30 PM, saw the Bantams dominate early and maintain their lead throughout the nine innings.
The Bantams wasted no time in establishing their dominance, scoring three runs in the first inning. Markus Kirksey set the tone with a powerful home run to left field, bringing in Josh Jackson and Mason Elrod. The momentum continued in the second inning with Jackson grounding out but managing to bring Mikey Scott home, extending their lead to 4-0.
The fifth inning was particularly explosive for the Bantams, where Gavin Underwood hit a three-run homer, further increasing their lead to 8-0. A wild pitch allowed Justin Skorupski to score, capping off a four-run inning.
In the eighth inning, the Lancers attempted a rally. A fielding error by the Bantams’ first baseman, Logan Miyar, allowed Cody Wilson to reach base and Finn McLaughlin to score. Knuckles then singled, bringing Wilson home, narrowing the gap to 8-3.
Despite the Lancers’ efforts, the Bantams continued to capitalize on their opportunities. In the eighth inning, Elrod hit a sacrifice fly, and an error by the Lancers’ center fielder allowed Aiden Talarico to score. The Bantams added one more run in the ninth inning with Robbie Murphy‘s sacrifice fly, sealing their 10-3 victory.
Mason Elrod was a standout performer for the Bantams, going 4-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Markus Kirksey and Gavin Underwood were instrumental in the Bantams’ victory, each contributing three RBIs. On the mound, Dargan Chase‘s strong start was supported by effective relief pitching from Logan Kolesha, Josh Smith, and Dillon Pruett.
The USC Union Bantams’ victory over the USC Lancers highlighted their offensive depth and pitching strength.
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