HARDEEVILLE – USCB showcased its offensive firepower and pitching depth in a doubleheader sweep of Spartanburg Methodist on Wednesday afternoon at the Richard Gray Sports Complex. The Sand Sharks secured an 8-4 victory in game one before routing the Pioneers 9-1 in game two.
GAME ONE
After Spartanburg Methodist plated two runs in the opening frame, the Sand Sharks responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the first, cutting the deficit in half. SMC added another run in the top of the third on a sacrifice fly to make it 3-1, but USCB broke the game open with a four-run outburst. A key RBI single from MJ Stradinger tied the game before Allie McCleer and Emma Reynolds delivered RBI doubles to put the Sand Sharks in front, extending the lead to 5-3.
Beaufort tacked on three insurance runs in the sixth, courtesy of Sydney Kibler's RBI single, a Cassie Brundage groundout, and a Chloe Turner run-scoring single.
In the circle, Brundage (6-2) delivered a solid outing, working five innings while allowing four runs and striking out one. Madison Murphy was stellar in relief, tossing two scoreless innings to shut the door on the Pioneers and secure the win.
GAME TWO
The Sand Sharks' bats erupted from the first pitch in the nightcap. Turner set the tone with a three-run triple in the first inning, and Kibler added a two-run double. Beaufort batted around after Katelyn Boyette's RBI single, and Turner continued her impressive performance with a run-scoring single in the second, giving USCB a commanding 9-1 lead.
With an eight-run cushion, Abigail Ramirez (3-0) took control in the circle. The right-hander was nearly untouchable, firing a complete game while allowing just one unearned run on four hits. She kept the Pioneer hitters off balance throughout, showcasing excellent control and efficiency.
The Sand Sharks will welcome PBC foe Augusta to the 'Ville on Saturday for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. before wrapping up the series with a single game on Sunday at noon.
