ANDERSON, S.C.– The Anderson University baseball team used strong efforts from its pitching staff and timely run production to defeat Augusta, 4–3, Tuesday afternoon at Anderson Memorial Stadium. The Trojans improved to 7–0 on the season in a contest highlighted by clutch performances from Aidan Bumgardner (Indian Trial, N.C.) and Kaleb Owens (Easley, S.C.)
Anderson struck first in the bottom of the opening inning. Braeden Harrison (Spartanburg, S.C.) doubled to left, and Zach Stover (Powdersville, S.C.) followed with a ground out that moved Harrison to third. Luca Medford (Canton, N.C.) belted a two-run home run to left center, giving the Trojans a 2-0 advantage after one inning of play.
The Trojans added to their lead in the second inning. Dom Bello (Orlando, Fla.) opened with a single, and Adams Faucett (Spartanburg, S.C.) followed with a run-scoring double down the left field line to make it 3-0. Anderson maintained that advantage through the middle innings before Augusta began to rally with a run in the third and another in the seventh to pull within one.
On the mound, Bumgardner delivered a quality start, working 3.2 innings while allowing just one run on five hits with three strikeouts. He kept the Jaguars off the scoreboard early, allowing Anderson's offense to build a lead before turning the game over to the bullpen.
Anderson added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth. With two on and one out, Gray Wells (Chapin, S.C.) delivered a sacrifice fly to center that scored Zach Stover and extended the Trojan advantage to 4-2.
Owens followed, tossing 4.2 innings of relief that allowed two runs on four hits with six strikeouts. Owens preserved the lead through multiple Augusta threats before handing the ball to closer Ashton Shackelford (Ellerslie, Ga.), who struck out two in the ninth to earn the save and secure the victory for the Trojans.
The Trojans now move into conference action this weekend as they open their league schedule against Newberry in a three-game series. The Friday game is slated for a 4:00 p.m. start before a Saturday doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m.
