CLEVELAND, Ga. — Carolina University Baseball traveled to Truett McConnell for a three-game series over the weekend of March 6–7, opening with a doubleheader on Friday before concluding with a nine-inning matchup Saturday afternoon. The Bruins entered the series with momentum after sweeping Kent State Tuscarawas earlier in the week and ultimately bounced back in the finale to secure an 8–5 victory on Saturday.
Associate Head Coach Logan Conklin reflected on the team's response after the doubleheader losses.
"We didn't get the results we wanted on Friday, but the guys stayed locked in and kept competing," said Conklin. "Saturday showed the kind of resilience this group has. We put together good at-bats, got key pitching when we needed it, and finished the series strong."
Game 1 — March 6
Truett McConnell 7, Carolina 3
Carolina opened the series in Cleveland, Georgia, but Truett McConnell built an early advantage and held off a late Bruins push to take the first game of the doubleheader, 7–3.
The Bruins recorded eight hits in the contest, with Chandler Smithart and Nathan Wesley each collecting two hits. Randy DeMaio provided Carolina's biggest swing of the afternoon with a solo home run in the sixth inning.
Carolina trimmed the deficit in the seventh inning, scoring twice to make it a three-run game, highlighted by an RBI single from Ty Vespe. However, Truett McConnell's pitching staff closed the door to secure the victory.
On the mound, Jasean Brown took the loss after pitching 5.2 innings with three strikeouts before Grant Polk finished the final out of the frame in relief.
Game 2 — March 6
Truett McConnell 6, Carolina 5
The second game of the doubleheader proved to be a tightly contested battle as Carolina outhit Truett McConnell 12–9 but came up just short in a 6–5 loss.
The Bruins rallied throughout the game, scoring two runs in the third inning on a sacrifice fly from Danny Gonzalez and an RBI single by Nathan Wesley. Carolina continued to pressure the Bears' pitching staff, eventually tying the game before Truett McConnell reclaimed the lead in the fourth inning.
Carolina's offense was led by multiple two-hit performances from Chandler Smithart, Luke Daniels, Danny Gonzalez, and Alexis Fontanez. Jase Brooks delivered a key two-RBI double in the fifth inning to bring the Bruins within one run.
Despite the offensive production, Truett McConnell held on late to complete the doubleheader sweep. Matthew Kelley was charged with the loss, while Jacob Myers and Tanner Buteau combined for 2.1 scoreless innings of relief.
Game 3 — March 7
Carolina 8, Truett McConnell 5
Carolina responded in Saturday's series finale, scoring early and using strong pitching down the stretch to secure an 8–5 victory.
The Bruins struck first in the opening inning when Danny Gonzalez delivered a sacrifice fly to score Chandler Smithart. Carolina then erupted for four runs in the third inning, highlighted by a two-RBI triple from Andres Hoyos and an RBI single from Nathan Wesley to take control of the game.
Truett McConnell briefly tied the contest in the fourth inning, but Carolina regained the lead in the fifth as Daniel Isbell and Luke Daniels each drove in runs to push the Bruins ahead for good. Isbell added another RBI single in the seventh to extend the lead.
Carolina finished with 11 hits, with multi-hit performances from Chandler Smithart, Nathan Wesley, Andres Hoyos, Daniel Isbell, and Luke Daniels.
On the mound, Alex Prevost started the game before Kolden Hunter delivered a strong relief outing, tossing five scoreless innings while striking out four to earn the win and seal the series finale.
Carolina leaves the weekend with a 10-11 record for the season but showed resilience by finishing strong on Saturday. The Bruins will look to carry that momentum into their upcoming games as they continue the 2026 season.
