DUE WEST, S.C. – The Erskine College baseball team (0-1) was defeated by Lander University (1-0) by a score of 8-7 in the Fleet's 2024 season opener at Grier Field on Thursday.

THE ESSENTIALS 
Conf. Carolinas Standings | Stats | Scores
Div. II Scores | Record Book | CC Digital Network
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After two quick outs from Erskine starter, Joe Alegre, the Bearcats strung together four consecutive baserunners to score the game's first run in the opening inning. However, the Fleet responded almost immediately, as a Dale Francis, Jr. walk followed by base hit from Ben Maskin set the stage for freshman Wilmis Castro. On the first pitch of Castro's collegiate career, he got an elevated breaking ball and launched it over the left field fence to give the Fleet a 3-1 lead. But, Erskine's offense was held in check after Castro's blast, and Lander eventually broke through in the middle innings, scoring six consecutive runs, and taking a 7-3 lead after six innings. Erskine embarked on its comeback attempt in the seventh, started by the top of the order, with Jude Littrell and Tyler Smith tallying base hits to set the table. Christian Rivera kept the line moving with a base on balls, and Francis, Jr. rifled the first pitch he saw back up the middle to score Littrell. Moments later, another newcomer, Jorge Pascual, announced himself with a big moment in his first at-bat. Pascual came off the bench with the bases loaded and lined an 0-2 pitch through the left side that scored two more runs and got the Fleet within a run, 7-6. Lander added what would be a much-needed insurance run in the eighth as Erskine refused to go quietly in its final at-bats. In the bottom of the ninth, Maskin worked a one-out walk, which brought the tying run to the plate. Carlos Gonzalez and Caden Marsters each singled through the left side as the bottom of the Fleet order got Erskine back within a run, 8-7, and with the tying run in scoring position. The next batter, Littrell, hit a high chopper over the mound that looked to be trouble, but the Bearcats shortstop threw out Littrell on an extremely close play at first for the final out.

THE PLAYER
Despite the loss, freshman Wilmis Castro had a collegiate debut to remember. He opened the scoring for the Fleet in the game and in 2024 with a huge three-run home run on the first pitch saw as a college baseball player, a second-inning big fly that gave Erskine a 3-1 lead.

WHAT'S NEXT?
Erskine and Lander continue their opening weekend series with game 2 on Friday in Greenwood at 4 p.m. as the Fleet hope to enact some revenge.

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