CENTRAL, S.C. – Southern Wesleyan left 15 men on base in falling to Bluefield 6-3 on Wednesday afternoon at Connor Field.

The Warriors had plenty of chances but weren't able to put together the big hits to knock in runs. Bluefield finally broke up a scoreless tie in the fifth inning with two runs but the Warriors quickly answered with three of their own in the bottom of the inning.

Drew Carson started it off with one of his four hits, followed by a bunt single by Trevor Walker. After a walk to Josh Shimp and a pitching change, Charlie Creighton worked a bases loaded walk to force in Carson. Julio Lara then reached on a fielder's choice but a throwing error by the catcher allowed two runs to score as the Warriors went on top 3-2.

Bluefield responded in the sixth to tie the game at 3-3 as Jacob Schober led off the inning with a home run. The Rams added two more in the seventh and one in the ninth.

Carson finished with four hits including two doubles. He also scored a run. Josh Shimp and Johnny Ponder each had a multi-hit effort, including a double by Ponder.

Andrew Howard got the start for the Warriors and pitched into the seventh inning before giving way to the bullpen. Howard dropped to 1-1 on the year with the loss. The righty gave up eight hits and five runs, striking out five and walking one in his six innings of work. Roth Matthews allowed just one hit in two innings of relief and Jordan Finsher struck out two and gave up one unearned run and two hits in his inning.

Cory Niten picked up the win to improve to 1-0 for the Rams. Niten pitched 1.2 innings in relief allowing just one hit and two walks, striking out one. Dylan Ruth picked up the two-inning save.

The Warriors return to conference play this weekend by welcoming in Emmanuel for a three-game series. Friday night's single game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. first pitch followed by Saturday's double header at 1 p.m.