Early runs, Bennett’s quality start lead CSU to Friday night win

By: CSU Sports Media

Charleston Southern scored eight runs over the first five innings on their way to an 8-6 Friday night win over Gardner-Webb to open the Big South weekend set from Nielsen Field at CSU Ballpark.

Junior southpaw Jaret Bennett collected his second win tossing 6.0 frames of three-run ball for another quality start while the CSU (13-24, 3-10 Big South) offense erupted for eight early runs to back Bennett’s strong start.

Javon Martin collected his first three-hit game of the season and came just a triple shy of the cycle after blasting a two-run home run in the fifth for his second extra-base hit of the night and first longball as a Buccaneer. Martin’s three-hit day highlighted a big offensive performance for the Bucs, who have scored 24 runs over their last two games and have outscored opponents by 15 in a pair of wins.

Max Ryerson also had a two-hit day driving in a team-high three runs in the win extending his team-leading RBI count to 26 on the season. Both Martin and Josh Litchfield scored twice while Payton Holdsworth and Jason Miller walked twice.

Gardner-Webb saw two-hit nights from Justin Kunz and Corey Howard and loaded the bases in the ninth with two outs, but freshman reliever RJ Petit slammed the door with a strikeout of the lone batter he faced for his third save.

Up Next

CSU and Gardner-Webb pick things back up Saturday afternoon for the second game slated for a 4 p.m. start on ESPN+ at CSU Ballpark.

What They’re Saying

“They did an incredible job attacking early and they didn’t let up. The offense made it a lot easier to throw and there wasn’t much pressure, even when I give up a run I know they’ll tack another one on for me.” – Jaret Bennett on his run support Friday night.

“The third time through has really been my kryptonite here recently and I really figured it out tonight. I started locating a lot better – had a better feel and didn’t miss over the white (of the plate) too much. They’re a free-swinging team so they got themselves out.” – Bennett on his outing getting stronger as the night went on.

“That’s a great start to the weekend scoring that many runs. As long as we keep hitting like we are now I don’t see us having any issues.” – Bennett on the team’s momentum after a Friday win.

“We’re feeling pretty good, everybody throughout the lineup is starting to figure it out all at once. I feel like we’re starting to play our best baseball right now.” – Javon Martin on the offense over the past two games.

“I was thinking there was no way I was getting a fastball and got a mistake one on an 0-2 count. I just put a good swing on it.” – Martin on his homerun.

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