By CINDY CROSBY
The Salkehatchie Indians dropped their NJCAA Region X season opener against Florence Darlington Technical College in a weekend double-header series on the road.
The Indians are currently 1-20 overall and 0-4 in conference play.
In game one played on March 12, the Indians were shut out 7-0 after falling behind early. Heston Thompson led things off on the mound for Salkehatchie, surrendering seven runs on seven hits over four and a third innings, striking out four. Michael Love threw one and two-thirds innings in relief. Gabe White and Jason Wilson each collected one hit to lead for the Indians.
Nathan Williams earned the win for Florence Darlington Technical College, going six innings, allowing zero runs on two hits, striking out 13 and walking one.
The Indians fell 12-1 in game two on Saturday afternoon after struggling to put runs on the board.
Juan Rodriguez started game two for Salkehatchie, surrendering eight runs on six hits over one and two-thirds innings. Drew Thomas threw two and a third innings out of the bullpen. Jason Wilson led Salkehatchie with three hits and Gabe White had a homerun in the third inning.
Austin Windham earned the win for Florence Darlington, surrendering one run on five hits over five innings, striking out four and walking one. DJ Sullivan went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Florence Darlington Technical College in hits.
Salkehatchie dropped both games in the double-header Sunday, falling 7-3 in game one and 10-2 in game two. The Indians fell behind early after in game one after Florence Darlington took the lead on a stolen base in the first inning. Nate Kiser led things off on the pitcher’s mound for Salkehatchie, lasting one-third of an inning, allowing three hits and three runs. Kenny Miller threw five and two-thirds innings in relief.
The Indians scored in the first inning when Luis Quiñones’s sac fly scored one run. Colby Routh, Michael Singletary, and Jason Wilson each recorded a hit for Salkehatchie.
In the final game, Gannon Honea started on the pitcher’s mound for Salkehatchie and lasted three innings, allowing four hits and three runs. Michael Dorso and Donovan Parker entered the game from the bullpen, throwing one and two-thirds innings and one and one-third innings respectively.
Salkehatchie racked up seven hits with Rushton Bowles and Rashard Brown recording multiple hits in the game.
Reed Garland led things off on the hill for Florence Darlington, lasting two and a third innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out one. Landon Mills earned the win, allowing three runs on three hits over five innings, striking out six.
Salkehatchie will travel to Gordon State College on March 16 before hosting Region X foe Spartanburg Methodist this upcoming weekend in back-to-back double-headers.
