GREENWOOD, S.C. — Georgia Southwestern's challenging weekend continued Sunday as Lander University used a pair of explosive innings to outlast the Hurricanes, 22-12, and complete a three-game sweep in a Peach Belt Conference series at Dolny Stadium.
Forced to adjust its pitching rotation due to injuries, GSW turned to a bullpen-heavy approach, but the Bearcats capitalized early and often. The Hurricanes dropped their fourth straight game and fell to 18-17 overall and 11-7 in conference play.
Early Momentum Swings Quickly
GSW struck first in the opening inning, with
Evan Wainman driving in a run on an RBI single.
Lander quickly answered, scoring twice in the bottom half, then added two more in the second to take a 4-1 lead.
The game turned decisively in the third inning when the Bearcats erupted for 10 runs, taking advantage of walks, hit batters and timely hits to build a commanding lead.
Hurricanes Keep Battling
Despite the deficit, Georgia Southwestern continued to fight offensively.
The Hurricanes pushed across two runs in the fourth and added another pair in the fifth behind contributions from
Drake Harman and Wainman.
GSW then put together its biggest inning in the sixth, scoring seven runs. The rally featured RBI hits from
Josh McDonald and
Drew Reaves, along with a bases-loaded walk and hit-by-pitch to trim the deficit to 19-12.
Offensive Production Across the Lineup
Georgia Southwestern finished with 13 hits in the contest, with multiple players contributing.
Devon Murphy led the way with three hits and two runs scored, while McDonald added three hits and an RBI. Wainman recorded two hits and drove in three runs, and
Kelsen Johnson chipped in two hits and an RBI.
Lander Takes Advantage of Free Passes
Lander capitalized on control issues throughout the game, drawing 11 walks while also benefiting from nine wild pitches and eight hit batters — all season highs for the Hurricanes' pitching staff.
The Bearcats turned those opportunities into offense, scoring 22 runs on 12 hits and consistently applying pressure on the bases.
Streaks Continue
Drake Harman extended his hitting streak to 11 games, marking his second double-digit streak of the season after a 14-game stretch earlier this year.
Harman also reached base safely for the 26th consecutive game, continuing his consistent presence at the top of the lineup.
Wainman recorded his team-leading 17th multi-hit game of the season.
Next Up
GSW will look to regroup on the road next weekend, traveling to face the University of North Georgia, the current Peach Belt Conference leader and 12th-ranked team in the nation. The three-game series is set to begin Thursday at 6 p.m.
