SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The 2026 season officially got underway for Carolina University Baseball this past Saturday as the Bruins traveled to Spartanburg Methodist for a season-opening doubleheader, following a week delay caused by winter weather and snow.

Under the direction of Associate Head Coach Logan Conklin, Carolina took the field eager to begin a new era of Bruins baseball as the Bruins officially opened the 2026 campaign on the road.

Game 1 – Spartanburg Methodist 16, Carolina University 8

Carolina wasted no time getting on the board, erupting for five runs in the top of the first inning to open the season. Chandler Smithart sparked the offense at the top of the lineup, while Leland Brown delivered a key two-RBI double. Peyton Banks and Luke Daniels added run-producing hits as the Bruins built an early 5-0 advantage.

Carolina added runs in the fifth and eighth innings, finishing with eight runs on five hits. Brown and Daniels each drove in three runs to lead the Bruins offensively.

Spartanburg Methodist responded with a five-run third inning and continued to apply pressure offensively, eventually pulling away for the 16-8 decision in the opener.

Quote – Logan Conklin
"I loved the way we came out to start the season. You never know what to expect in your first game, especially after a weather delay, but our guys were aggressive early and competed in the box. We showed flashes of what we can be offensively — now it's about sustaining that energy for nine innings."

Game 2 – Spartanburg Methodist 12, Carolina University 2

In the second game of the doubleheader, Carolina again struck first with a run in the opening inning. Alexis Fontanez and Nathan Wesley led the Bruins at the plate, each recording key hits, with Wesley driving in a run.

Despite the early momentum, Spartanburg Methodist used a seven-run second inning to take control of the game. Carolina continued to battle but was unable to overcome the deficit, falling 12-2 in game two.

Quote – Logan Conklin
"Today gave us a lot to learn from. We're a group that's still coming together, and opening on the road against a solid opponent is a challenge. Our focus now is cleaning up the small things — throwing strikes, limiting free bases, and playing clean defense."

Up Next

Carolina University Baseball will return to Spartanburg Methodist on Sunday, February 8 for another doubleheader, with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m. followed by game two at 4:00 p.m.