FLORENCE, SC – Francis Marion University closed out a three-game series sweep with a come-from-behind 6-5 win over Shorter University at Sparrow Stadium on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 21) in a Conference Carolinas baseball matchup.
FMU improved to 13-1 overall, equaling the best start in program history – previously set in 2017. The Patriots extended their winning streak to 11 games – equaling the third longest for an FMU squad – while maintaining a perfect 10-0 record at home and a 6-0 start in conference play. Shorter fell to 6-6 and 0-6 on the season.
The Patriots will battle in a non-conference game on Tuesday (Feb. 24) at Newberry College with the first pitch slated for 4 p.m.
Difference makers for the game included senior third baseman
Will Dorrell who finished 3-for-5 at the plate with a run batted in, and both redshirt junior first baseman
Charlie Bussey III and freshman shortstop
Logan Davis went 2-for-3, with Bussey III driving in a pair of RBIs.
Junior right-handed pitcher
Jafet Martinez Delgado (2-0) was awarded the win as he threw 4.2 innings, allowing just two hits, one run, and striking out seven. Senior right-handed pitcher
Roman Edwards started and threw 73 pitches, surrendering four hits, four runs, while recording five strikeouts.
The Hawks cemented a 3-0 lead to start the game with two runners scoring off of a Patriot throwing error and later a fielder's choice in the second frame.
In the bottom of the second inning, junior outfielder
Matthew Manuel walked, advanced to second on a ground out by sixth-year outfielder
Daniel Hussey, and then stole third. Manuel would score on a wild pitch to put the Patriots on the board. Davis singled through the right side soon after, advancing junior second baseman
Brandon Vargas to third. Dorrell singled through the right side, driving in a run as Vargas scored. Dorrell extended his streak of safely reaching base to 57 games.
Francis Marion trailed 5-2 until the fifth inning. Bussey III reached on a fielder's choice and later advanced on a balk. Senior outfielder
Riley Orr followed with a double to center field to bring home Bussey III to make it 5-3.
In the sixth, Hussey was hit by a pitch and senior catcher
Dariel Villaran Goundis singled to left center putting runners on the corners. Sophomore
Adrian Nina replaced Villaran Goundis as a pinch runner. Hussey scored on a wild pitch with Nina advancing to second. After a fly out, Davis was hit by a pitch and Dorrell singled through the right side loading the bases. Bussey III followed with a two-run single giving the Patriots their first lead at 6-5.
Martinez Delgado retired nine of the last 10 Shorter batters to finish the game and the sweep.
