Bristol, TN – Southern Wesleyan claimed the first game of the series as they took down the King Tornado in a 6-2 final score.

The Warriors picked up 10 hits in the opening game against the Tornado.  Marty Grisso, Marcerio Allen and Tyler Jackson all had two hits.  Jackson led the team with two of the four RBIs.  Southern Wesleyan walked five times, and Travis Hammond, Noah Wiggins and Allen all stole bases.

Steven Mufareh started on the mound for the first game of the series against King.  Mufareh pitched 7.2 innings and struck out two batters.  Andrew Patterson came in to close out the game and struck out one batter while picking up the save.



 
 
Game Vitals

Final: Southern Wesleyan 6, King 2

Records: Southern Wesleyan (8-12 / CC 4-3) King (8-9 / 1-8 CC)


 
 

 
How It Happened

Southern Wesleyan took the first run of the game in the top of the second inning.  Marcerio Allen led off by reaching first on a walk.  Allen went on to then steal second base.  A throwing error allowed Noah Wiggins to reach base and advanced Allen to third.  With one out, Tyler Jackson grounded out to third base, but Allen was able to come in to score to put the Warriors ahead 1-0.

The Warriors extended their lead in the top of the fourth inning.  With one out, Marcerio Allen reached first on a single to center field.  Noah Wiggins followed with a single that allowed Allen to advance to third base.  Wiggins then stole second base to put both runners in scoring position.  With two outs, Tyler Jackson singled to right field to bring Allen home.

Southern Wesleyan pushed on in the top of the sixth inning.  With one out, Clifton Olmstead reached first after being hit by a pitch.  A passed ball allowed Olmstead to advance to second base.  Tyler Jackson fouled out, but an error by the right fielder allowed Olmstead to come in to score.

King cut into the Warriors lead in the bottom of the sixth inning as they plated one run off a sacrifice fly out by Hyatt that allowed Steele to score.

However, the Warriors regained their three run advantage in the top of the seventh inning.  Josh Long led off the seventh with a single down the right field line.  A sacrifice bunt by Travis Hammond allowed Long to advance to second base.  Chance Fogel flew out to allow Long to move up ninety feet.  With Long in scoring position, Marty Grisso singled to center field to put the Warriors on top 4-1.  Marcerio Allen singled up the middle and then a walk to Noah Wiggins loaded the bases.  With the bases loaded, a wild pitch allowed Grisso to score.

The Tornado came back to within three runs of the Warriors in the bottom of the eighth inning.  A single by Renwick allowed Hall to come in to score.

The Warriors pushed further ahead in the top of the ninth inning.  Chance Fogel led off with a walk.  With Blayze Haddock pinch runner for Fogel, Marty Grisso was hit by a pitch.  An error by the pitcher allowed both Grisso and Haddock to advance ninety feet.  A fielder's choice by Noah Wiggins allowed Haddock to come in to score to give the Warriors a 6-2 run victory.
 
 


 
What's Next

Southern Wesleyan will return to Bristol, TN on March 11 as they wrap up the series against the King Tornado in a double header beginning at noon.  The Warriors will then return to Dr. C Keith Connor Field to host the Georgia College Bobcats on March 14 at 4 p.m.  They will remain at home on March 17 and 18 to host the UNC Pembroke Braves in Conference Carolinas action.