Double W’s spark Patriots past Knights 11-3

FLORENCE, SC – Senior right-hander David Walters allowed no earned runs in six strong innings and junior designated hitter Jacob Wallace stroked three hits and drove in three runs to spark 33rd-ranked Francis Marion University to an 11-3 win over St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Friday afternoon (Feb. 6) in the opening game of the South Atlantic Challenge.

Tomorrow’s schedule has the Patriots (2-1) facing Limestone College at 3 p.m., Coker College playing Lander University at noon, and St. Andrews (0-3) playing Augusta State University at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

Augusta State defeated Coker 4-1 in Friday’s second game.

Walters allowed only three hits, struck out seven, and did not walk a batter in his six innings. The only run he allowed was unearned and came in his final frame.

Wallace had a double among his three hits and he scored twice. Senior catcher Jared Barkdoll was 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles, three runs scored, and an RBI. Senior third baseman Keon Graves hit a two-run homer to left in the fifth inning and he scored three times in the contest.

Patriot leadoff batter Colby Green chipped in a two-run double in the top of the second inning as FMU took a 3-0 lead after that inning.

St. Andrews starter Alex Ridout (0-2) took the loss as he allowed seven runs (only three earned) in five innings.

Knight first baseman Josh Alexlson drilled a 395-foot, two-run homer in the top of ninth, while right fielder J.T. Mcquire drove in the other St. Andrews’ run with an RBI-single up the middle in the sixth inning.