By CINDY CROSBY
USC Salkehatchie Baseball freshman Luis Quiñones went 3-4 at the plate, including a three-run homerun over the left field fence, in the 10-8 win over South Georgia State on Tuesday, February 8. It was the first win of the season for Salkehatchie. The Indians are currently 1-10 overall.
The Indians split a double-header against South Georgia State going 11-1 (loss) and 10-8 (win)on February 8 in Douglas, Georgia.
In game one, Salkehatchie struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing South Georgia State, giving up 11 runs. Mack Ritter was on the hill for USC Salkehatchie, allowing five hits and six runs over one inning, striking out one and walking one. Jack Hedges threw three innings in relief. Gabe White, Will McGuire, and Eric Green each recorded one hit to lead the Indians at the plate.
In game two of the double header, Salkehatchie nabbed the lead late in the game as they were trailing 7-6 in the top of the fifth inning when Eric Green singled on the first pitch, scoring two runs. Luis Quiñones went 3-4 on the day with a three-run homerun in the fourth inning and Jessen Heber went 2-5 with an RBI. Salkehatchie recorded 10 hits in the game.
Drew Thomas started the game for Salkehatchie, allowing five hits and six runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out one. Kenny Miller was credited with the victory, lasting four and a third innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out seven and walking zero.
Brian Crooms started the game for South Georgia State College. Crooms allowed four hits and four runs over three and a third innings, striking out eight and walking zero. Shuan Munoz took the loss for South Georgia State College, allowing four hits and five runs over one and one-third innings, striking out two.
The Indians traveled to Tifton, Georgia on February 12 where they faced Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in a double header. Salkehatchie dropped both games of the series falling 8-7, 8-3. In game one, Heston Thompson earned the start, surrendering two runs on three hits over five innings, striking out eight. Donovan Parker and Ahmad Tucker entered the game in relief, throwing one inning and two-thirds of an inning, respectively. Rashard Brown went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Salkehatchie at the plate.
Seth Parker was the winning pitcher for Abraham Baldwin, going three and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on two hits.
In the second game, Juan Rodriguez led things off on the mound for the Indians, surrendering five runs on four hits over one inning. Gannon Honea threw five innings out of the bullpen. On offense, Jason Wilson, Gabe White, Rashard Brown, Quiñones, Will McGuire, and Rushton Bowles each recorded a hit in the game.
Salkehatchie was scheduled to host South Georgia State College on February 15 in a double header with first pitch set for 1 p.m. in Allendale. They will travel to Emerson, Georgia for a three-game series against Georgia Highlands College over the upcoming weekend.
