Box Score
FLORENCE, S.C. – Josh Smith's RBI single to right with two out in the bottom of the 13th drove home the game-winning run as host Francis Marion prevailed, 6-5, in the rubber game of a three-game weekend series between two seventh-ranked opponents at Cormell Field Sunday afternoon.
West Chester (2-2) had tied the game with a two-run rally in the top of the ninth inning. However, Francis Marion (8-2) survived a bases loaded and nobody out jam in the 12th and made the most of its opportunity in the 13th.
Preston Shuey began the two-out rally in the 13th with a double to center field. Logan Bland followed with a walk, and Smith then singled to right field, scoring Shuey from second base. West Chester senior right-hander Joe Opalka (0-1) suffered the loss, pitching the 13th inning.
The Golden Rams’ third baseman Josh Heyne started the visitor’s rally in the ninth with a walk from Patriots' closer Brandon Forshee. Kevin McGrath was then hit by a pitch. Nick Spisak reached on an error by FMU’s third baseman, that advanced Heyne and McGrath one base each. Heyne later scored on a wild pitch, and McGrath would cross with the game-tying run on an RBI groundout by Charlie Kelly.
Barrett Kleinknecht (1-0), who started the game at shortstop, picked up the win on the mound for Francis Marion when he was called on in the 13th.
McGrath and Bob Stumpo each went 2-for-4 at the plate while Joe Wendle and Matt Baer were each 2-for-6. Baer contributed an RBI as well.
