MARS HILL, N.C. – The Erskine College baseball team (8-12, 1-4 CC) was defeated by Mars Hill University (8-11) by a score of 11-8 at Henderson Field on Tuesday.

THE ESSENTIALS 
Conf. Carolinas Standings | Stats | Scores
Div. II Scores | Record Book | CC Digital Network
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
In a game that was originally scheduled to be a home game for the Fleet, Erskine took advantage of getting the opportunity to bat first. An error, a hit-by-pitch, and a bunt single from Ben Maskin loaded the bases to lead off the game for Dale Francis, Jr., who slapped a two-run single into left field to open the scoring. A few batters later, Jorge Pascual drove in another run and the Fleet led 3-0 after an inning. However, Mars Hill responded with a five-run second inning, and despite the game settling into a rhythm in the middle innings, the hosts led 6-3 after five. Erskine scored in the next two frames thanks to a sacrifice fly from David Hernandez and a Francis, Jr. RBI double, but the Lions kept responding and held an 11-5 lead into the ninth. The Fleet showed fight and resilience, and an RBI double from Pascual followed by a two-run single from Tyler Smith helped Erskine get the tying run to the plate, but the comeback effort fell just short as Erskine was defeated, 11-8.

THE PLAYER
Dale Francis, Jr. had a three-hit day in the middle of the Fleet lineup, driving in three runs as well to lead the Erskine offense.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The weather continues to be a factor for the Fleet this week, who will now start a three-game home series against Southern Wesleyan University (4-15, 2-7 CC) in unorthodox way, traveling to SWU on Thursday at 2 p.m. for the series opener. The teams will then conclude their series with a doubleheader at Erskine on Friday at 10 a.m.

MORE ABOUT THE ERSKINE COLLEGE FLYING FLEET

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