Mocksville, NC - Carolina University Baseball (13-15) hosted Bluefield State University (10-18-1) on Tuesday, March 28 for a midweek doubleheader at Mando Field.

Game One | 13-16

Bluefield State jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the top of the third, however Carolina U stormed back with five runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Both teams had a high offensive output in the back-and-forth series opener logging fourteen and twelve hits, respectively. Despite a late effort that lowered the deficit to three, a nine-run sixth inning for the Big Blue proved to be insurmountable for the Bruins.

The Bruins were led offensively by catcher Randy De Maio (4-4, 3 runs, 7 RBI, 3 HR), center fielder Deion Tubbs (3-4, 3 RBI, 1 run, 1 HR), and left fielder Alexial Delgado (4-4, 4 runs, 1 RBI, 1 HR - the first of his career). Nicholas Mackedon started on the mound for the Bruins, while Frank Burke collected the loss.

"The guys put in an incredible effort and it was a good battle both games," said head coach Jarett Miller. "We really beat ourselves in the first game just from a pitching standpoint. We gave up too many free bases and weren't competitive enough in the zone. The hitters had a great approach in game one. They did great in the box. Anytime our team puts up ten or more runs we feel like we should win, point blank. "

Game Two | 5-3

Bluefield State took a 1-0 lead to start the first inning, but that was the last time Carolina U trailed in game two. Nicholas Mackedon hit an RBI double to take the lead in the bottom of the first, and the Bruins never surrendered the advantage. Kevin Greenwood hit a three run blast in the bottom of the second and ultimately put the game out of reach.

Game two marked the return to the lineup for team captain Logan Conklin, who immediately made his presence felt both defensively and offensively. Conklin went 2-3 at the plate with a walk, was involved in thwarting three stolen base attempts at second base, and made a crucial catch in shallow right field to save a run. The Bruins capitalized on excellent defense with strong performances on the mound from starter Kaleb Whitaker, relievers Cade Fletcher (who collected his second win of the season) and Victor Conrad, and closer Jamie Winecoff (who logged his sixth save of the season; the highest total in program history).

"The second game, we didn't lose any of our energy. It would've been really understandable with how we lost the first game if we would've come out flat footed, no wind in our sails but the guys showed right back up with the same intensity. This team has zero, zero quit in it. They battle right up until the last out. It doesn't matter if you're up by ten, down by ten, whatever the situation is, they just go ham until it's the last out. I absolutely love that about this group. Overall, super happy with how we played as a unit."

When asked how to carry the momentum from today's games into a crucial home stand this weekend, Coach Miller summed it up in one word: "energy. And we have to play fundamental baseball. I preach to the guys all the time that if we play like we practice, we win. Point blank. And if we lose, it's a dog fight right up until the end. There are no blowouts, it's never a one sided game. If we throw strikes, make the routine plays, and put a couple runs on the board we win the ballgame. It's just playing clean baseball. As long as we play like we practice, we're gonna be just fine."

The Bruins return to Mando Field this weekend to host South Region opponent Toccoa Falls College for a home series, beginning with a doubleheader at 3 & 6 PM on Friday, March 31. You can cheer on the Bruins in person or via live stats or live stream at cubruins.com.