Charleston Southern University’s baseball team has achieved its best start in program history, moving to a 6-0 record after defeating Elon 5-4. The win came during the continuation of Saturday’s rain-delayed game, which resumed on Sunday afternoon.
The Buccaneers took an early lead in the second inning. Walks by Alex Marot, Lucas Pringle, and Nathan Martinez loaded the bases before Gavin Spiers hit a double to left center, driving in all three runners.
A rain delay interrupted play in the fifth inning with Elon threatening, having runners on second and third and one out. After the game resumed Sunday, Elon scored their first run with a sacrifice flyout.
Charleston Southern responded in the bottom of the fifth. Chander Tuupo singled, Pringle walked, and Martinez singled to bring home Tuupo. Spiers grounded out but allowed Pringle to score, extending CSU’s lead to 5-1.
Elon narrowed the gap with another run in the sixth inning and added two more in the eighth through an RBI single and a sacrifice flyout, bringing the score to 5-4. Drew Dawson entered in relief during the eighth inning and retired all three batters he faced. Hayden Henry closed out the ninth with three consecutive outs to secure Charleston Southern’s victory.
Marot and Martinez each had two hits for Charleston Southern as part of an eight-hit team performance. Spiers drove in four runs while Martinez accounted for another RBI. The Bucs also drew five walks and were hit by pitches twice.
Brady Bickett started for Charleston Southern, pitching four scoreless innings with one hit allowed and three strikeouts. Jack Bunnell earned the win after pitching through both sides of the rain delay across two innings, allowing one earned run.
Relievers Zach Stichweh, Drew Dawson, and Hayden Henry each pitched an inning to close out the game. Both Dawson and Henry retired all opposing batters they faced.
Charleston Southern will play Elon again later today for game three of their series as they aim to continue their strong season opening streak.
