Mocksville, N.C. – The long-awaited 2026 home opener arrived this weekend for Carolina University Baseball as the Bruins hosted IU Columbus for a Friday doubleheader on February 13 at Mando Field. After opening the season on the road at Spartanburg Methodist the previous weekend, Carolina returned home and split the twin bill, highlighted by Associate Head Coach Logan Conklin earning his first career win in Game Two.
Game One – IU Columbus 14, Carolina University 11
The opener turned into an offensive slugfest as both clubs combined for 25 runs and 24 hits.
Carolina struck early in the bottom of the first when Danny Gonzalez launched a three-run home run to give the Bruins a 3-1 advantage. IU Columbus answered with a five-run second inning and never fully relinquished momentum despite multiple Carolina rallies.
Gonzalez delivered a historic performance at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with three home runs and seven RBI to lead the Bruins' offense. Ben Gambrell added two hits and three runs scored, while Alexis Fontanez recorded a multi-hit outing with an RBI.
Carolina battled back throughout the game, plating runs in the fourth, fifth, and seventh innings, but IU Columbus used a five-run top of the seventh to create separation and secure the 14-11 victory.
Game Two – Carolina University 10, IU Columbus 2
Associate Head Coach Logan Conklin earns first career win
The Bruins bounced back in dominant fashion in the nightcap, using timely hitting and strong pitching to earn a 10-2 win — and Associate Head Coach Logan Conklin's first career victory.
IU Columbus scored twice in the opening frame, but Carolina quickly responded. The Bruins took control with a four-run second inning, highlighted by RBI production from Gonzalez and key base running from Chandler Smithart and DJ Biggers.
Carolina continued to add insurance runs, including solo home runs from Fontanez, Leland Brown, and Randy De Maio. Smithart paced the offense with two hits and three runs scored as the Bruins totaled nine hits in the contest.
On the mound, Carolina's pitching staff settled in after the first inning. The Bruins limited IU Columbus to just four hits the rest of the way, with Conklin securing his first career win as part of the staff effort in the 10-2 decision.
From Associate Head Coach Logan Conklin
"It was special to pick up my first win, but I'm even more proud of how our guys responded. After a tough first game, they came back locked in, played clean baseball, and competed the way we know we're capable of. This was a great step forward for our group at home."
