Another strong midweek showing by the SoCon.
The league’s teams combined for a 5–2 record across Tuesday and Wednesday action. With two teams idle and Mercer playing twice, the SoCon’s cumulative non-conference record now stands at an impressive 44–20 (.687).
The SoCon continues to build a strong national profile, holding its own against a range of conferences. The league’s non-conference record by opponent type underscores its depth and competitiveness.
| Conference | Record | Conference | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACC | 0–3 | American East | 1–0 |
| ASun | 1–0 | Atlantic 10 | 4–1 |
| Big South | 0–1 | Coastal Atlantic | 1–0 |
| Conference USA | 1–2 | Ivy League | 3–0 |
| MAAC | 9–0 | MAC | 3–2 |
| Missouri Valley | 3–1 | NEC | 10–0 |
| Patriot League | 1–0 | SEC | 0–8 |
| Sun Belt | 5–2 | SWAC | 2–0 |
These numbers reflect the SoCon’s ability to dominate mid-major opponents while still searching for a breakthrough against P4 competition. This weekend presents several teams with significant challenges. The Citadel travels to Tallahassee to face No. 21 Florida State, while UNC Greensboro heads to Pitt for a series. Western Carolina, meanwhile, faces a demanding stretch against Troy (fresh off a midweek upset of No. 11Georgia), Rutgers, and East Carolina at the Keith LeClair Classic in Greenville, NC.
The Winners
Western Carolina 12, Akron 2
Akron, representing the MAC—a league rated 16th in conference RPI—entered the matchup with a 2025 RPI of 264. Western Carolina responded with a commanding performance, rolling to a 12–2 rout in a shortened eight-inning contest. After watching Akron sleepwalk through this game—though they acted like nozzles for much of last weekend’s series—it made you appreciate the competitiveness and fire Bowling Green brought into Hennon Stadium.
The Catamounts’ offense was led by Jackson Lyda, who drove in four runs on three hits. Lyda’s transformation from a .118 hitter as a freshman to a .429 force with a 1.049 OPS exemplifies his breakout campaign—not to mention, he has been a defensive wizard at second base.
Mason Holton added three hits and two RBIs, while Jaylen Jones reached base four times, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Freshman Carlos Diaz notched his first collegiate hit—a two-run single. On the mound, it was a bullpen showcase: eight pitchers each threw an inning, with seven posting scoreless frames.
Samford 6, North Alabama 5
Samford rebounded from a tough weekend with a thrilling comeback win over North Alabama. See the recap of the comeback win—Samford Flushes Athens Nightmare with Thrilling Comeback Win Over North Alabama.
Mercer 7–0 and 5–1 over Florida A&M
Mercer dominated its two-game midweek series against Florida A&M, which finished the 2025 season with a final RPI of 222, outscoring the Rattlers 12–1 over two days. The Bears’ pitching staff was nearly flawless, combining for 18 innings of one-run baseball in a display of complete control and consistency.
Tuesday’s 7–0 shutout featured four pitchers—Caleb Hughes, Ismael Borrero, Aidan Hayse, and Riley Cruce—who collectively allowed just two hits and struck out 15. Logan Shepherd’s two-run double broke the game open in the sixth, while Mercer tacked on insurance runs late.
Wednesday’s 5–1 win was less dominant offensively but every bit as efficient. Eight pitchers took the mound as the Bears capitalized on Florida A&M’s defensive miscues to maintain control throughout. Shepherd and Braydon Kersey each scored twice, while Jackson Gaspard, a former Georgia Tech transfer, logged the most work of the staff, tossing two scoreless innings in relief. Mercer’s methodical approach reflected a team that knows how to handle business against inferior opposition.
Wofford 12, Davidson 8
Aside from Wake Forest, Davidson represented the SoCon’s toughest midweek opponent. The Wildcats had an RPI of 177 in 2025, and the Atlantic 10 ranked 13th nationally in conference rating. Considering Wofford had just blown a five-run lead to Northern Illinois on Sunday, the Terriers’ 12–8 comeback victory over Davidson stood out as one of the week’s most impressive performances. After starter Sheldon Egger struggled early—recording only one out in the first before being yanked—Branton Little came on in relief and completely changed the game’s tone, tossing 4.2 innings of two-hit, eight-strikeout baseball to steady the Terriers.
The Terriers’ offense roared to life with eight combined runs in the second and third innings, flipping a 3–0 deficit into an 8–3 lead. Though Davidson clawed back, Wofford’s early explosion proved decisive. This win was a statement—showing that Wofford can respond to adversity and deliver in high-scoring affairs.
The Losers
Wake Forest 5, UNC Greensboro 1
Facing the #16-ranked Demon Deacons, UNC Greensboro battled but fell short. Redshirt freshman Isaac Miles allowed five runs in 3.1 innings, but the bullpen—featuring three true freshmen—was stellar, combining for five scoreless innings. Luke Jenkins shined offensively, going 3-for-3.
Despite the loss, the Spartans’ young arms gained valuable experience against elite competition, a positive sign for their development.
Appalachian State 8, ETSU 5
ETSU suffered a disappointing home loss to Appalachian State, managing only five hits in the game. The Mountaineers, a bottom-half Sun Belt team with a 185 RPI in 2025, jumped out to a 4–0 lead early. The Bucs briefly rallied to take a 5–4 advantage in the fourth inning, but couldn’t hold it. Solo home runs by App State in the fifth and sixth innings swung the momentum back, and ETSU went quietly the rest of the way.
It was a frustrating outing for a team that has mashed against inferior competition but couldn’t step up against a Sun Belt opponent.
The Idle
- The Citadel
- VMI
Ranking the Week’s Performances
| Rank | Team | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wofford | Huge comeback win. |
| 2 | Samford | Gritty comeback that restored confidence. |
| 3 | Mercer | Two methodical wins, dominant pitching. |
| 4 | Western Carolina | Offensive explosion, bullpen depth on display. |
| 5 | UNC Gr | Competitive effort vs. ranked opponent. |
| 6 | ETSU | Disappointing home loss. |
| 7 | The Citadel/VMI | Idle. |
The Point After
The SoCon’s midweek performance once again highlighted the league’s balance and emerging depth. Wofford and Samford earned signature wins that could spark momentum heading into the weekend, while Mercer and Western Carolina took care of business with professional precision. UNC Greensboro’s young arms showed promise, and ETSU will look to rebound from a tough loss.
