Central, SC – Southern Wesleyan took down the Emory & Henry Wasps in their 2023 season and home opener on Friday evening in a 4-3 final score.

The Warriors picked up five hits in the first game of the season.  Marty Grisso doubled during the game.  Cam Mitchem, Dawson Gilstrap and Noah Wiggins all picked up RBIs.  Blayze Haddock had the lone walk and Wiggins stole the lone base for the Warriors. 

Freshman Steven Mufareh started on the mound and pitched five scoreless innings while striking out six batters.  Sandy Johnson picked up his first save of the season.
 
 

 
Game Vitals

Final: Southern Wesleyan 4, Emory & Henry 3

Records: Southern Wesleyan (1-0) Emory & Henry (0-1)
 


 
 
Coach Robinson says…

"Really proud of the way the team played tonight.  I knew we wouldn't be perfect, but they played hard and had a lot of energy.  We got to have a close ball game early, and came out on top.  Shows us we can win close games late.  Excited for the rest of the season."

 
 
 
How It Happened

The Warriors attacked the plate early.  With one out in the bottom of the second inning, Josh Long singled to right center.  A fielder's choice put Jackson Mix on the base pads, however an error on the play allowed Long to advance to second base.  A passed ball advanced both Long and Mix by ninety feet.  With both runners in scoring position, Dawson Gilstrap hit a sacrifice fly to center field to allow Long to come in to score.  Noah Wiggins followed with a single that brought Mix around to home plate.  Wiggins then stole second base.  With two out and Wiggins on second base, Blayze Haddock walked.  Cam Mitchem followed with a single through the left side to bring Wiggins in to score and give the Warriors a 3-0 run advantage.

Steven Mufareh continued to shut out the Wasps' batters as he struck or forced out each one until he gave up a walk in the top of the fourth inning.  However, the defense stayed strong to back-up their pitcher and shut down the Wasps attacks.

Emory & Henry put their first run of the game on the board in the top of the seventh inning.  With one out, a fielder's choice allowed Jermie Greene to score and put the Wasps down 3-1.

Southern Wesleyan regained their three run advantage in the bottom of the seventh inning.  Dawson Gilstrap led off with a single through the right side and then advanced to second on a ground out by Noah Wiggins.  Blayze Haddock flew out to right field to allow Gilstrap to advance to third base.  Cam Mitchem reached on an error by the shortstop.  Gilstrap was able to come in to score on the play.

The Wasps fought back in the top of the eighth inning as they brought two runs in to score.  However Josiah Sizemore and the Warriors' defense were able to keep them from taking the lead.  Emory & Henry challenged once again in the top of the ninth inning.  However, Noah Mazza hit the ball to first base. Cam Mitchem collected it and flipped it over to Sandy Johnson to get the final out of the game and give the Warriors the season opening victory.
 
 

 
What's Next

The Warriors will continue the series against the Emory & Henry Wasps on February 4 at noon and 3 p.m.  Southern Wesleyan will then travel to Anderson, SC on February 7 to take on the Anderson Trojans at 4 p.m.  They will then take part in a home and away series against the Coker Cobras on February 10 and 11.  On February 10, the Warriors will host the Cobras in a double header beginning at 2 p.m.  They will then travel to Hartsville, SC on February 11 to conclude the series with the Cobras at 4 p.m.