WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Carolina University Bruins capped off their weekend series against CIU in style on Saturday, April 18, sweeping a Senior Day doubleheader at Rich Park. After traveling to Columbia International on Friday, the Bruins returned home and honored 10 seniors prior to first pitch before securing a pair of victories, 5-2 and 9-8.
Carolina recognized seniors #2 DJ Biggers, #3 Jacob Gillming, #7 Ty Vespe, #14 Leland Brown, #18 Andres Hoyos, #25 Jase Brooks, #33 Landon Johnson, #34 Danny Gonzalez, #38 Grant Ward, and #47 Ben Cox for their contributions to the program.
Game 1: Carolina 5, CIU 2
Carolina broke open a scoreless game with a five-run sixth inning and never looked back in the opener.
Game 1 Stats & Highlights:
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Winning Pitcher: Jasean Brown (4-3) — 7.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 K
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Key Offensive Performers:
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Randy DeMaio: 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI
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Chandler Smithart: 2-for-3, RBI, 2B
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Daniel Isbell: pinch-hit RBI double
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Carolina totaled 5 runs on 5 hits, all coming in the sixth inning
After five scoreless innings, the Bruins erupted in the sixth. A pinch-hit RBI double from Daniel Isbell and an RBI single from Chandler Smithart set the table before Randy DeMaio launched a three-run home run to give Carolina a commanding lead.
JaSean Brown delivered a complete-game effort on the mound, holding CIU to just two runs, both coming in the seventh inning.
Game 2: Carolina 9, CIU 8
The Bruins completed the sweep in dramatic fashion, walking off CIU in the bottom of the seventh of Game 2.
Game 2 Stats & Highlights:
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Winning Pitcher: Landon Johnson (2-0) — 1.0 IP, 2 R
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Key Offensive Performers:
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Nathan Wesley: 2 HR, 5 RBI
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Chandler Smithart: 3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI
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Daniel Isbell: 2-for-3, 2 R
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Carolina finished with 9 runs on 11 hits
After falling behind early, Carolina surged ahead with a five-run third inning highlighted by a two-run homer from Chandler Smithart and a three-run double from Nathan Wesley.
CIU battled back to tie the game at 8-8 in the seventh, but Nathan Wesley delivered the decisive blow with a walk-off solo home run to left field, sealing the sweep for the Bruins .
From the Dugout
Associate Head Coach Logan Conklin praised both the seniors and the team's resilience:
"Today was about more than just wins — it was about honoring a group of guys who've helped build this program. To see them go out with two gritty wins, especially the way we finished Game 2, says everything about their character and this team's fight."
Carolina improves to 21-22 on the season with the doubleheader sweep and carries momentum forward as the regular season continues. Carolina University will host Montreat College on Tuesday April 21, 2026 for a single 9 inning game starting at 3pm.
