FLORENCE, S.C. – Francis Marion (9-6) pulled away for a 7-1 win over Shepherd (4-6) in baseball action at Francis Marion on Wednesday afternoon.
Shepherd took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when junior outfielder Sam Daggers (Galloway, N.J./Absegami/Rowan Gloucester CC) reached on a walk and later scored on a single of the bat of senior catcher Zach Doss (Waldorf, Md./North Point/Maryland).
Francis Marion answered back in the bottom of the frame on an RBI-double by Leniel Gonzalez to tie the game.
The Patriots took a 2-1 lead in the third behind an RBI-triple by Todd Maddox.
Francis Marion plated five runs on five hits in the fourth to take a 7-1 advantage. A two-run single by Naphis Llanos keyed the rally.
Junior third baseman Ryan Haddaway (Poolesville, Md./Poolesville) and junior shortstop Cole Daugherty (Red Lion, Pa./Red Lion) each had a pair of hits to lead an eight-hit attack for the Rams.
Gonzelez went 3-for-4 and Maddox added a 2-for-3 effort for the Patriots.
Daniel Twitty (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K, 1 BB) (1-0) gained the win for the Patriots. Sophomore starter Chris Chaney (Falling Waters, W.Va./Saint James School/Maryland) (3.1 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 4 K, 2 BB) (0-3) took the loss for the Rams.
The Rams return to action on Friday, March 11 when they host Mansfield for a 2 p.m. contest.
