Florence, SC — The University of Mount Olive Trojans showed flashes of strength against No. 13 Francis Marion but were unable to sustain momentum, falling 7-3 in game two and 18-4 in the series finale during a tough Conference Carolinas matchup Saturday.
After earning a win earlier in the series, Mount Olive entered the final two games looking to secure the series victory. However, Francis Marion capitalized on key moments and controlled the pace in both contests.
In game two, the Trojans jumped out early when Josh Mason doubled and later scored on a Jakhari Howard RBI double, giving Mount Olive an early 1-0 lead. The momentum shifted quickly in the bottom half of the inning when Riley Orr launched a three-run homer to put Francis Marion ahead.
The Patriots extended their advantage in the following inning after a Mount Olive error helped spark a three-run frame, pushing the lead to 6-1.
Mount Olive responded in the third inning when Ryder Hancock and Mason reached base ahead of Howard, who delivered a two-RBI double to cut the deficit to 6-3. Despite the Trojans holding Francis Marion scoreless over the final four innings, the early damage proved too much to overcome. Aidan Newton allowed seven runs, five earned, over five innings, while Mike Walsh added a scoreless inning in relief as Mount Olive fell 7-3. Howard finished with three RBIs in the contest.
Game three followed a similar script, with Mount Olive striking first once again. Lane McLean scored on a Josh Mason RBI groundout in the opening inning, but Francis Marion answered quickly and seized control in the second inning. Walks, a wild pitch, and a Mount Olive error helped the Patriots build a 4-1 lead.
The Trojans continued to battle in the middle innings. Garrett Moffett delivered an RBI double in the fourth, followed by an RBI single from Mac James to trim the deficit to 4-3. Mount Olive added another run in the fifth on a wild pitch, making it 7-4 and keeping the game within reach.
However, the turning point came in the bottom of the fifth when Francis Marion erupted for eight runs. The inning was fueled by 11 walks, four hit batters, and timely RBIs from Riley Orr and Jimmy Koza, putting the game out of reach. Charlie Bussey III later added a two-run homer during a three-run eighth inning to seal the 18-4 final.
Lucas Glover was charged with the loss in game three, while multiple Mount Olive relievers were called into action as the Trojans struggled to limit free passes.
Mount Olive will look to bounce back Tuesday when they travel to face Virginia State in a non-conference matchup scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
