Florence, SC – Southern Wesleyan dropped the first game of the series against the Francis Marion Patriots on Friday evening in a 3-1 final score.
The Warriors totaled seven hits in the opening game of the three game series. Both Cam Mitchem and Marty Grisso led the team with two hits apiece. Mitchem doubled in the game. Dawson Gilstrap had the lone RBI for the Warriors. Chance Fogel walked, and both Noah Wiggins and Gilstrap were hit by pitches.
Cord Babcock started on the mound for the Warriors. Babcock pitched 5.1 innings and struck out five batters. Andrew Patterson, Aidan Evans and Sandy Johnson all came in to pitch in relief.
Game Vitals
Final: Francis Marion 3, Southern Wesleyan 1
Records: Southern Wesleyan (12-20 / CC 7-9) Francis Marion (16-19 / CC 9-10)
How It Happened
The Patriots took the early lead as back-to-back doubles by Oakley, Hardee and Crepeau gave them a 2-0 run advantage in the bottom of the first inning.
The Warriors countered in the top of the fifth inning. Marty Grisso led off with single to left center field. A groundout by Tyler Jackson allowed Grisso to advance to second base. Dawson Gilstrap then hit a single to right field that allowed Grisso to score to cut the Patriots lead down to 2-1.
Francis Marion pushed further ahead in the bottom of the sixth inning as a sacrifice fly out by Falor allowed Llanos to win the game in a 3-1 final score.
What's Next
Southern Wesleyan will wrap up the series against the Francis Marion Patriots on April 1 at 3 and 4 pm. The Warriors will remain on the road on April 5 as they travel down to Gaffney, SC to take on the Limestone Saints. They will then resume Conference Carolinas action on April 7 and 8 as they journey to Wilson, NC to take on the Barton Bulldogs.