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Furman Sweeps Season Series From South Carolina With 11-5 Victory
May 11, 2005
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Furman scored five runs in the second inning Wednesday night and four in the fourth to defeat South Carolina 11-5, marking the first time in 52 years that the Paladins have won more than one game in the same season over the Gamecocks. Furman evened its record at 23-23 while South Carolina fell to 33-17.
One week earlier, at Greenville, Furman downed South Carolina 6-2. In 1953 Furman won three of four games against South Carolina, splitting a pair at Columbia and sweeping two at Greenville. Since then the Paladins had never defeated South Carolina more than once in a season.
Furman has taken three of the last four games from Southeastern Conference competition this season.
Senior Nick Wajda went 2-for-4 while driving in two runs. A.J. Davidiuk also compiled two hits with two runs scored and an RBI.
South Carolina's only lead was the result of a two out solo first inning home run by Steve Pearce.
The Paladins struck back in the top of the second with five runs. After three consecutive singles by Sam McLain, Matthew Betsill and Davidiuk, a passed ball by Gamecock started Cliff Donald scored Betsill. Tony Maccani's single to left scored Davidiuk. Wajda then tripled off reliever Andrew Cruse plating Maccani.
A Brendan win RBI single in the third cut the Paladins lead to 5-2.
Furman broke through again for four more runs in the fourth. Maccani and Wajda hit back-to-back doubles lead off the inning. Case Cassedy's single scored Wajda and Ben Terry, who reached on an error. McLain added another double which brought Cassedy around the bases.
South Carolina managed single runs in the third and sixth, innings and scored twice in the fourth. After Patrick Arnett allowed an RBI single to Pearce in the sixth inning, the third batter that he faced, he retired 10 of the last 11.
Furman rounded out the scoring with runs in the sixth and seventh inning.
Furman starting pitcher Kyle Funk lasted 3 2/3 innings and gave up seven hits and four runs. He was relieved by Cal Hurst who got the win to improve his record to 2-1. Hurst allowed only one run in 1 1/3 innings despite giving up five hits. Arnett pitched the final 12 outs to receive credit for his first save of the season.
Donald (1-1) the first of seven South Carolina pitchers was charged with the loss.
The Paladins return home Friday to open a three-game set with The Citadel at 7 p.m.
