HARDEEVILLE -- The USCB Sand Sharks unleashed a powerful offensive performance on Tuesday, racking up 14 runs on 17 hits to take down Edward Waters in a thrilling 14-11 slugfest. Led by the hot bats of Jon Davis, Ryan Stansell, and Carson Weathers, who each tallied three hits, the Sand Sharks kept the scoreboard busy.
Edward Waters struck first, grabbing a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, but the Sand Sharks wasted no time in responding. A five-run outburst in the bottom half set the tone for the night. Jeremy Brown and Nikko Andre laced RBI doubles to ignite the rally, and with the bases loaded, Stansell delivered a clutch bases-clearing double to put USCB ahead 5-2. The Tigers, however, refused to back down, quickly tying the game at five in the top of the second.
After a scoreless second inning, Beaufort's bats roared back to life in the third. Davis and Jake Turner each smacked two-RBI doubles, pushing USCB back in front. The lead was short-lived as Edward Waters countered with a six-run explosion in the fourth to reclaim control. The seesaw battle continued when Brown delivered his second RBI double of the night, bringing in two runs to knot the contest at 11.
USCB found the breakthrough they needed in the bottom of the fifth. Andre took one for the team, earning an RBI after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Davis then capped the scoring with his second two-RBI double of the night, giving the Sand Sharks much-needed insurance runs.
While the offense stole the show, the Sand Sharks' bullpen played a crucial role in sealing the victory. Asher Western (1-0) earned the win, while Andrew Shanks and Ty Siksta combined for lights-out relief, shutting down the Tigers over the final five innings to preserve the win.
With momentum on their side, USCB now turns its attention to a weekend road trip to Lander as they resume Peach Belt Conference play.
