DUE WEST, S.C. – The Erskine College baseball team (5-12, 3-3 CC) defeated Lander University (9-6, 3-3 PBC) by a score of 10-8 at Grier Field on Wednesday afternoon.

The Fleet trailed by as many as four runs entering the bottom of the sixth inning, but rallied back courtesy of a nine-run explosion over the next three frames to stun the Bearcats.

THE ESSENTIALS 
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HOW IT HAPPENED
Hoping to end a losing skid on Wednesday, the Fleet got off to a quick start as a Lander error allowed Mason McManus to score the game's first run in the opening inning. Lander settled in over the ensuing innings and used a pair of two-run home runs to take a 5-1 lead after the top of the sixth inning. But, the Fleet began their ascent right after with an offense that came roaring to life. A McManus sacrifice fly brought in Quinn Allen for Erskine's second run of the game and then Ricky Dober delivered a two-run single, behind the help of another Bearcats error to make it 5-4. A few batters, a bases loaded walk by Danny Villafane tied the game. Lander regained its lead in the top of the seventh with another two-run home run, but clutch RBIs from Drew Potts and McManus tied the game again, this time at seven after seven complete innings. Again, the visitors scored in the top of the eighth to go back in front, but again the Fleet had an answer in the bottom half. After another Villafane walk and a Stephen Kriner base hit, the Fleet had the tying run at third. A Bearcats' wild pitch allowed Villafane to scamper home to level things at 8. And the Fleet weren't done, as Quinn Allen drew a walk before being lifted for Carson Yates to run, who promptly stole second, putting runners at second and third with just one out and the Fleet threatening to take the lead. Gio Lopez hit a slow chopper to the Lander shortstop, who made an errant throw home, allowing Kriner and Yates both to score, putting Erskine back on top, 10-8, heading into the ninth. The Fleet ran into some trouble as Lander had two runners on and just one out, but Tanner McNeal came on and promptly induced a fly out and a got a strikeout to slam the door shut on a Fleet victory.

THE PLAYER
Erskine got meaningful production from a number of spots offensively and on the mound in its come-from-behind win, but designated hitter Mason McManus was at the center of much of the Fleet's success. The senior went 3-for-5 at the plate with a pair of RBIs and a run scored, helping Erskine rally back to down Lander.

WHAT'S NEXT?
Erskine returns to conference play this weekend, when the Fleet visit Emmanuel University (6-9, 3-6 CC) for a three-game series, starting Friday at 4 p.m.

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