Box Score Due West, SC – The 14^th ranked Flying Fleet scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth to break open a two run game and take a 6-1 victory over Belmont Abbey in the opening game of the Conference Carolinas series Friday afternoon.

In the bottom of the first, Brandon Overstreet (Stuart, FL, Herkimer CC) would reach on a Belmont Abbey (11-6, 8-2) error to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a single by Joey Wilson (Charleston, SC, USC Sumter).  After Zach Smith (Lexington, SC, White Knoll HS) reached on a fielder's choice, Overstreet would score on a sacrifice fly by Logan Galliher (Taylorsville, NC, Alexander Central HS) to make it a 1-0 game.  The Crusaders would tie the game up in the top of the second.  Nick Nunziato would lead off with a double and later score on a two out single by Colin Rosenbaum.  In the bottom of the fourth Galliher would single and steal second.  Richard Dix (Clemson, SC, Daniel HS) would follow with a walk and both runners would move into scoring position on a balk.  A single down the left field line by Destin Nichols (Tampa, FL, Berkley Prep) would score both runners and give Erskine (15-1, 6-1) a 3-1 lead.

After allowing the one run in the second, starter Austin Gambrell (Belton, SC, Spartanburg Methodist) would not allow another run over the next four innings and Zach McAllister (Simpsonville, SC, Hillcrest HS) would come into the game in the seventh.  After a perfect first inning of work, McAllister would allow a leadoff single to Anthony Dimino and walk Levi Wright to put two runners on and no one out.  He would then get Nunziato to pop up the bunt attempt and then got Weston Clarke to ground into a double play to end the rally.  Erskine would take the momentum into the bottom of the eighth and score three runs to extend the lead to five.  McAllister would pitch a scoreless ninth to shut the game down.

Damino and Kevin Elefante each had two hits to lead the Belmont Abbey offense.  Harry Ferguson (4-2) took the loss allowing five earned runs on 11 hits in 7.1 innings of work.

Galliher was a perfect 3-3 on the day for the Fleet, while Nichols was 2-3 with two RBI's.  Wilson also added two hits, while Hanlon Maivelett (Aiken, SC, Aiken HS) had a hit and two runs driven in.  Gambrell (4-0) picked up the win, allowing one run on six hits and striking out four in six innings of work.  McAllister (4) picked up the save allowing two hits and striking out two in three scoreless innings of relief.

The two teams will conclude their series with a double header tomorrow starting at noon.