#3 Patriots blank Tigers 11-0

COLUMBIA, SC - Four Patriots had two hits apiece and three pitchers combined on a two-hitter as  third-ranked Francis Marion University blanked Benedict College 11-0, Saturday afternoon (Feb. 27) in non-conference baseball action.

Francis Marion ups its record to 10-2, while the Tigers drop to 4-5.  The two squads will complete their home-and-away series on Sunday when the Patriots host Benedict for a 1p.m. contest on Cormell Field.

Senior left-hander Josh Edgin (2-1) allowed only two hits in five innings, while striking out five and walking no one.  Freshman righty Don Sandifer and senior southpaw Shane Gebhards each tossed a hitless frame to complete the seven-inning shutout.

Leading FMU at the plate were Graham Couch, who was 2-for-2 with two runs scored; Jacob Wallace, 2-for-2 with a double, two runs scored, and a run batted in; Josh Smith, 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored, and an RBI; and Trent Knight, 2-for-3 with a runs scored, and an RBI.

FMU junior first baseman Preston Shuey was 1-for-3 with a double to extend his hitting streak to nine games.