FLORENCE, S.C. – The Erskine College baseball team (17-18, 9-9 CC) defeated Francis Marion University (14-20, 6-13 CC) by a score of 8-0 in the series opener at Sparrow Stadium on Friday evening.

THE ESSENTIALS 
Conf. Carolinas Standings | Stats | Scores
Div. II Scores | Record Book | CC Digital Network
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After an emotional, heartbreaking loss in the mid-week, Erskine went on the road for a massive three-game series at Francis Marion and immediately made a statement. A Jorge Pascual walk followed by an opposite-field single from Dale Francis, Jr. set the table for the middle of the Fleet lineup. A few pitches later, Christian Rivera missed a home run by a matter of feet, cranking a double off the center field wall that scored Pascual to open the scoring. Adrian Rolon drove home Francis, Jr. with an RBI groundout to make it 2-0, and after a Tyler Smith walk, Jude Littrell slapped a single into right center, scoring Rivera for the third run. Moments later, Littrell and Smith executed a double steal to perfection, with Smith swiping home as the throw went to second, and Erskine had exploded for a four-spot in its first at-bat. Alex Heintz got the start on the mound for the Fleet and had to battle through some free passes, but stifled the FMU offense. In the fourth, Francis, Jr. launched his 15th home run of the season, a three-run blast to break the game wide open. Jorge Pascual parked one a few innings later and the Fleet held a commanding 8-0 lead, as Heintz continued to shine through six scoreless frames before giving way to the bullpen. Caleb Dix came on for the seventh and picked up right where the freshman left off, tossing three perfect innings and carrying the Fleet to a convincing win in the series opener.

THE PLAYER
Friday was a complete performance from the Fleet in every aspect from offense to bullpen, but freshman starting pitcher Alex Heintz gave the Fleet six scoreless innings on the mound, earning his sixth win of the season. Heintz surrendered just two hits and struck out seven, pitching on a day's short rest, but looked just as effective.

WHAT'S NEXT?
Erskine and Francis Marion conclude their weekend tilt with a doubleheader on Saturday, starting at 1 p.m.

MORE ABOUT THE ERSKINE COLLEGE FLYING FLEET

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