SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Carolina University Baseball wrapped up its opening weekend with a Sunday doubleheader at Spartanburg Methodist on February 8, following Saturday's season-opening twin bill. Despite competitive stretches across both contests, the Bruins came up short in each game as the Pioneers secured the sweep at Mooneyham Field.
Game One — Spartanburg Methodist 3, Carolina 2 (9 Innings)
Carolina opened the first game of the day locked into a tight pitcher's duel, with the Bruins holding Spartanburg Methodist scoreless through eight innings.
The Bruins broke through in the third inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue. An RBI single from Leland Brown plated the first run before a sacrifice fly by Randy De Maio extended the lead to 2–0.
Carolina's pitching staff was dominant for much of the contest. Jasean Brown delivered 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two. Caden Ross followed with 2.2 shutout frames to preserve the lead into the late innings.
Spartanburg Methodist mounted its comeback in the bottom of the ninth. With runners aboard, a three-run walk-off home run by Tanner Martin flipped the game in dramatic fashion, handing Carolina the 3–2 loss.
Associate Head Coach Logan Conklin quote:
"We played a really clean baseball game for eight innings. Our pitching staff competed at a high level and gave us every opportunity to win. Unfortunately, one swing late changed the outcome, but there are a lot of positives we can take from how we executed early."
Game Two — Spartanburg Methodist 9, Carolina 4
Carolina responded quickly in the second game, jumping out to an early 2–0 lead in the first inning. An RBI single from Nathan Wesley and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch brought home the Bruins' first two runs.
However, Spartanburg Methodist answered in the bottom of the second with a six-run inning, using timely extra-base hits and capitalizing on defensive errors to seize control of the game.
The Bruins continued to battle offensively. Wesley led the effort with three hits, while Carolina added runs in the fifth and sixth innings, including an RBI from Danny Gonzalez to cut into the deficit.
Spartanburg Methodist added insurance late to secure the 9–4 decision.
Associate Head Coach Logan Conklin quote:
"I liked the fight in our lineup, especially the way we came out aggressive in the first inning and kept competing throughout. We gave up a big inning that put us behind, but our guys didn't quit and continued to put pressure on them offensively."
Weekend Reflection
With the quick turnaround from Saturday's opening doubleheader into Sunday's slate, the Bruins were tested early to begin the 2026 campaign.
Conklin closing quote:
"This weekend was about learning and growing. We faced adversity right out of the gate, but the energy, effort, and togetherness are there. As we settle into the season, we expect to clean up the small things and continue building forward."
