TIGERVILLE, S.C. – Georgia Southwestern faced one of the nation's top lineups Saturday afternoon as No. 10 North Greenville used explosive starts in both games to sweep a doubleheader from the Hurricanes at Ray & Bea Dillard Field.
The Trailblazers scored a combined 22 runs over the first three innings of the two games, building early separation in a 22-14 win in Game 1 and an 18-5 decision in the series finale.
Despite the losses, GSW showed resilience throughout the day, piling up 19 runs and 24 hits across the twin bill and refusing to go quietly against an undefeated North Greenville (7-0) squad.
Top Performers – Saturday Doubleheader
- Devon Murphy: 4-for-9, double, home run, 6 RBI, 2 runs scored
- Edwin Melendez: 3-for-8, 2 RBI, Key catalyst during Game 1 rally
- Drake Harman: 3-for-9, 3 RBI, 3 runs scored
- Evan Wainman: 3-for-8, double, RBI, 2 runs scored
- Kelsen Johnson: 4-for-10, double, 2 runs scored
- Josh McDonald: 3-for-8, double, home run, 2 RBI
- Rem Maxwell: 2.1 IP, 1 R, 3 K in Game 2 relief
Game 1 – North Greenville 22, Georgia Southwestern 14
NGU struck quickly in the opener, scoring six runs in the first inning and adding four more in the third to seize early control.
GSW struggled to find traction early against starter Bennett Roemer, who held the Hurricanes hitless through five innings while striking out nine. By the end of the fifth, North Greenville had built a 14-0 advantage.
The Hurricanes finally broke through in the seventh and nearly flipped the game on its head.
GSW erupted for seven runs in the seventh inning, sparked by RBI hits from
Drew Reaves, Melendez,
Noah Jones, and a two-run single by Harman. The Hurricanes followed with a six-run eighth, highlighted by Murphy's three-run home run, trimming the deficit to just 16-14.
North Greenville answered immediately in the bottom half of the eighth with six runs of its own, reestablishing separation and sealing the game.
GSW finished the opener with 15 hits and eight walks, led by Melendez (3-for-5, 2 RBI), Wainman (3-for-5), and Johnson (3-for-6). Murphy drove in four runs, while Harman and Gipson each added two RBIs.
Game 2 – North Greenville 18, Georgia Southwestern 5
The series finale followed a similar script as North Greenville scored four runs in each of the first three innings, jumping out to a commanding 12-2 lead through three.
The Trailblazers' damage came largely via the long ball, as CJ Dean homered twice, driving in eight runs, while NGU racked up 18 hits in the game.
GSW answered in spurts. Harman drove in a run in the second, McDonald doubled home a run in the third, then later homered in the sixth to provide a bright spot offensively. In the seventh, Murphy doubled to right-center to score two more, accounting for the Hurricanes' final runs of the day.
Out of the bullpen, Maxwell provided stability, tossing 2 1/3 innings and allowing just one run with three strikeouts.
Next Up
Georgia Southwestern (3-4) will look to regroup on Tuesday with the start of a four-game homestand that opens with Embry-Riddle at 5 p.m.
