FMU uses big first inning in win over Limestone

By: From local reports | SCNOW
Published: March 18, 2010

GAFFNEY — Senior outfielder Trent Knight’s three-run double keyed a five-run first inning and 13th-ranked Francis Marion went on to an 8-5 victory over Limestone on Wednesday in baseball action.

FMU (19-5) concludes its five-game road trip with a 4-1 mark. The Patriots host Flagler College for a three-game Peach Belt Conference series this weekend, beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Sophomore left fielder Tyler Boyd led the Patriots with a 3-for-5 day that included a pair of runs scored and two driven in. Third baseman Tyler Cappelmann was 3-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI.

After the first frame, FMU’s lead grew to 6-0 on an RBI-single by first baseman Preston Shuey in the second inning. Shuey was 2-for-5 and extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

Limestone scored twice in the third to pull within 6-2, but Francis Marion answered with a pair of runs in the fourth on a two-run double by Boyd.

The Saints scored three times in the fifth chasing Patriot starter Jarrott Hooks. Junior righty Patrick Mincey (3-1) came in and recorded two strikeouts to stand two Saint runners on base.

Three FMU relievers then pitched one scoreless inning each before senior Brandon Forshee pitched the ninth to earn his eighth save.

Shortstop Barrett Kleinknecht also extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a ninth-inning single.

SOFTBALL
Patriots sweep St. Leo

SAINT LEO, Fla. — Paced by junior right fielder Chelle Phillips’ six hits, Francis Marion banged out 26 hits and scored 18 runs en route to a doubleheader sweep of Saint Leo.

FMU won the opener 7-4 and game two 11-4.

Senior left-hander Michaela Wolf got the game-one win to improve to 12-4. She allowed nine hits and three earned runs, while striking out seven. She ups her own FMU career record for pitching victories to 82.

Phillips was 4-for-4 with two runs scored, while sophomore second baseman Ashley Jaramillo was 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs. Senior Jessica Birchmeier was 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

In game two, Phillips was 2-for-5 with two runs scored and two driven in. Jaramillo was 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs, while extending her hitting streak to eight contests. Heiser also had three hits.

Junior righty Cea Knox (9-3) earned the victory in game two, while also goin