Breaking Down the Standout Players, Performances, and Series Across the SoCon
The weekend slate featured three conference series, along with Mercer and Samford squaring off against non-conference opponents. ETSU and VMI delivered an instant-classic series, Western Carolina made the trip to face The Citadel, and Wofford hosted UNC Greensboro. Meanwhile, Samford welcomed the Presbyterian Blue Hose, while Mercer traveled to Corvallis to take on the three-time national champion and No. 16 Oregon State Beavers.
SoCon Non-Conference Performance Snapshot
Mercer was swept by independent Oregon State, while Samford took two of three from Presbyterian of the Big South. As a whole, the Southern Conference has compiled a 120–66 (.645) record in non-conference play so far this season. Here’s how the SoCon has fared against other conferences to this point:
| Conference | Record |
|---|---|
| AAC | 1–2 |
| ACC | 1–12 |
| AEC | 1–0 |
| ASun | 2–0 |
| A-10 | 7–2 |
| Big East | 2–1 |
| Big South | 8–7 |
| Big Ten | 0–1 |
| CAC | 4–0 |
| C-USA | 3–5 |
| IND | 0–3 |
| Ivy | 10–3 |
| MAAC | 13–2 |
| MAC | 5–3 |
| MVC | 12–2 |
| NEC | 14–1 |
| OVC | 12–5 |
| Patriot | 1–0 |
| SEC | 2–14 |
| Sun Belt | 11–4 |
| SWAC | 7–0 |
SoCon Conference Standings
After two weeks of league play, Wofford holds the early edge, bolstered by its sweep of UNC Greensboro.
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Wofford | 3–0 |
| ETSU | 4–2 |
| Mercer | 2–1 |
| The Citadel | 3–3 |
| Western Carolina | 3–3 |
| Samford | 1–2 |
| VMI | 1–2 |
| UNC Greensboro | 1–5 |
VMI at ETSU — Series Recap
This was a tremendous back-and-forth series that showcased two conference contenders. ETSU took the series two games to one, edging VMI by a single run in total scoring, 14–13.
Game 1 — ETSU 6, VMI 5
The opener set the tone for the series, with ETSU rallying late to secure a dramatic one-run victory. VMI struck early in the first inning as Grayson Fitzwater launched a solo home run and Cole Raile followed with an RBI double to build a 2–0 lead.
ETSU responded immediately in the second inning. Mason Ault delivered a solo home run, and Nate Conner added a sacrifice fly to tie the game. The Buccaneers chased VMI starter Peyton Dhein out early, but Andrew Jones stabilized things with an impressive 3.2 innings of relief, striking out six.
VMI regained control in the third, highlighted by another RBI knock from Fitzwater to push the lead to 4–2. The Keydets extended their advantage in the sixth when Raile crushed a towering solo homer, but Conner answered in the bottom half with a solo shot to keep ETSU within striking distance.
The decisive moment came in the seventh inning. After Tyler Fetterman reached and advanced on an error, Ian Guanzon delivered an RBI double to cut the deficit. With two outs, Conner came through again, ripping a two-run double into the left-center gap to give ETSU its first lead at 6–5. Notably, the Buccaneers did their damage against Hunter Sipe, tagging the typically dominant arm for four runs in 1.2 innings.
Carter Oliff and Thomas Costarelli closed the door, combining for the final six outs to secure the comeback win.
Game 2 — ETSU 4, VMI 3
The second game followed a similar script, with ETSU capitalizing on key moments to clinch the series. After two scoreless innings, VMI broke through in the third, taking advantage of a defensive miscue to plate Cole Cook.
ETSU answered emphatically in the bottom half with a four-run inning. Ty Galusky being hit by a pitch set the stage for Ian Guanzon’s two-run home run. Curless added an RBI groundout, and Ferguson capped the surge by stealing home, giving the Buccaneers a 4–1 lead.
That cushion proved just enough thanks to a dominant outing from Michael Harpster, who worked seven innings, allowing only one unearned run on three hits while striking out seven. His standout outing earned him SoCon Pitcher of the Week honors.
VMI made things interesting in the ninth when Cole Raile launched a two-run homer to cut the deficit to one. However, ETSU turned to Stratton Scott, who shut the door to preserve the win and secure the series.
Game 3 — VMI 5, ETSU 4
The finale delivered the most dramatic finish of the weekend, as VMI rallied in stunning fashion to avoid a sweep. The Keydets opened the scoring in the first on an RBI single from Cole Raile, but ETSU answered immediately when Nate Conner scored on a double play.
ETSU took the lead in the second, capitalizing on defensive mistakes as Mason Ault scored following a hit-by-pitch, a walk, and an error. VMI evened things in the fourth with a solo home run from Seth Buchanan, but Ian Guanzon responded with an RBI triple to restore the Buccaneers’ advantage.
Jamie Palmese extended ETSU’s lead to 4–2 in the sixth with a solo home run, setting the stage for what appeared to be a controlled finish. Reid Brosnan was outstanding in relief, covering 5.2 innings and keeping VMI at bay into the ninth.
Everything unraveled in the final frame. After recording two strikeouts but issuing two walks, ETSU turned again to Stratton Scott. Easton Ogle immediately delivered an RBI double to cut the deficit to one. With two strikes and down to their final out, Owen Prince produced the defining moment of the series, driving in two runs to give VMI a 5–4 lead—its first since the opening inning.
Buddy Baker then retired ETSU in order in the bottom of the ninth, sealing a dramatic comeback victory and salvaging the finale for the Keydets.
This series ultimately showcased two evenly matched teams, with ETSU narrowly claiming the edge while VMI proved its resilience with a last-inning surge in the finale.
UNC Greensboro at Wofford — Series Recap
Wofford delivered a statement weekend at home, sweeping UNC Greensboro and reinforcing its status as a team to watch in the conference race.
Game 1 — Wofford 8, UNC Greensboro 7
Wofford built an early cushion and withstood a relentless late push from UNC Greensboro to take the opener. After two scoreless innings, Cade Collins ignited the offense in the third with a one-out double, setting up three consecutive RBI singles from Logan Tribble, Ben Timblin, and Marc Quarrie to establish a 3–0 lead. The Terriers added another run in the fourth on a wild pitch to extend the advantage to 4–0.
The game remained quiet until the seventh, when UNCG broke through with a two-run home run from Luke Jenkins to cut the deficit in half. Wofford immediately countered, as Quarrie delivered a three-run homer to push the lead to 7–2.
UNC Greensboro refused to fade, beginning its rally in the eighth with a two-run double from Jake Barbour to make it 7–4. Collins responded with an RBI double in the bottom half, scoring Lucas Manning to give Wofford an 8–4 cushion entering the ninth.
The Spartans mounted one final surge as Brantley Truitt and Ethan Brittain opened the inning with back-to-back singles, followed by Jacob Dilley’s RBI double. After a pitching change brought in Champ Davis, UNCG added two more runs on a sacrifice fly and an RBI groundout, and a single by JJ Parsons kept the pressure on. Davis ultimately ended the comeback attempt by striking out Barbour, sealing the 8–7 victory.
Game 2 — Wofford 6, UNC Greensboro 1
The second game shifted toward pitching dominance, with Wofford riding a standout performance from Alec Bouchard. The right-hander worked six strong innings, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out seven to control the tempo.
The Terriers opened the scoring in the third inning when Logan Tribble’s RBI groundout brought home Cade Collins for a 1–0 lead. UNC Greensboro did answer in the fifth, tying the game on a sacrifice fly from Jake Barbour that scored JJ Parsons.
Wofford broke the game open in the sixth with a four-run inning. Niko Brini drew a leadoff walk before Ben Timblin delivered an RBI double. Tanner Hardin followed with a single that drove in two runs, and with the bases loaded after two walks, Collins worked a walk to force in another run, stretching the lead to 5–1.
The Terriers added insurance in the eighth when Collins contributed again with an RBI single, extending the margin to 6–1. From there, the bullpen preserved the lead to secure the series victory.
Game 3 — Wofford 6, UNC Greensboro 3
Wofford completed the sweep by pulling away late in a game that remained tight into the middle innings. After two scoreless frames, the Terriers capitalized on patience at the plate in the third, drawing three walks before Logan Tribble cleared the bases with a double to left field for a 3–0 lead.
UNC Greensboro chipped away in the sixth when Jake Mueller hit a solo home run, and the Spartans continued to apply pressure in the seventh. Two singles set the stage for an RBI groundout by Ethan Brittain, and Jacob Dilley followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 3–3.
Wofford responded immediately in the bottom half. Ben Timblin singled and Marc Quarrie walked before Hunter Herndon delivered a single that, combined with an error, brought both runners home to restore a 5–3 lead.
The Terriers added another run in the eighth when Lucas Manning doubled and later scored on a Tribble single, pushing the advantage to 6–3. Champ Davis closed out the game, locking down the win and completing the sweep.
Western Carolina at The Citadel — Series Recap
The Citadel claimed the series over Western Carolina two games to one, using late-game execution and sustained offensive pressure to secure the first two contests before the Catamounts responded emphatically in the finale.
Game 1 — The Citadel 4, Western Carolina 3
The opener unfolded as a tightly contested matchup defined by pitching and late-inning drama. The Citadel manufactured the game’s first run when Jayden Williams was hit by a pitch to begin the game and eventually scored on a Western Carolina error.
The Catamounts seized control in the fifth inning, as Jaylen Jones launched a solo home run before Brody Raleigh followed with a two-run shot to give Western Carolina a 3–1 lead. From that point on, sophomore Carter Burnette took command of the Bulldog lineup, finishing with seven strong innings while allowing just one unearned run and striking out six.
The Citadel’s turning point came on the mound as Andrew Buffkin entered in the sixth inning with runners on first and second and no outs. He escaped the jam and proceeded to deliver four scoreless innings of relief, stabilizing the game and giving the offense a chance to respond.
After Burnette exited, Western Carolina’s bullpen faltered. Mason Snyder was tagged for two runs in the eighth, allowing the Bulldogs to even the score. James Fordham limited further damage and recorded two outs in the ninth before yielding back-to-back singles. Owen Austin then issued a walk after getting ahead 0–2, loading the bases. TJ Anderson then delivered a walk-off single to right field to secure a 4–3 victory, spoiling Burnette’s outstanding performance.
Game 2 — The Citadel 13, Western Carolina 9
The second game featured a dramatic shift in tempo, with both offenses trading extended scoring runs before The Citadel pulled away late. The Bulldogs struck first as TJ Anderson delivered a two-run single in the opening inning against Western Carolina starter Davis Wright.
In the fourth, The Citadel expanded its lead with two outs and the bases loaded. Phillips Daniels singled to add a run, and Anderson followed with another two-run hit to stretch the margin to 5–0.
Western Carolina responded in the fifth, as Trent Turner doubled home Mason Holton and Walker Fox added a home run to cut the deficit to 5–3. The Bulldogs answered with a run in the bottom half on an Aryan Patel groundout, but the Catamounts surged again in the sixth. Turner’s RBI single and consecutive bases-loaded walks drawn by Noah Quarless and Fox tied the game, and a wild pitch gave Western Carolina a brief 7–6 lead.
That advantage evaporated quickly. The Citadel opened the bottom of the sixth with three straight baserunners, tying the game before breaking it open with a four-run burst. Lane Tobin’s two-run single highlighted the rally, pushing the Bulldogs ahead 11–7. Zach Hunt added a two-run double in the seventh to extend the lead to 13–7.
Western Carolina managed two runs in the eighth, but the outcome was effectively decided. From the moment Burnette exited late in Game 1 through the middle innings of Game 2, the Catamounts’ pitching staff surrendered runs in seven of nine innings, allowing 16 total runs—a stretch that underscored the impact of missing key arm Bryant Kimbrell.
Game 3 — Western Carolina 16, The Citadel 3
Western Carolina avoided the sweep with a decisive offensive performance, overwhelming The Citadel from the outset. Walker Fox set the tone in the first inning with a two-run double that scored Wyatt Stanley and Jackson Lyda for an early 2–0 lead.
The Bulldogs answered with a run in the bottom half on an infield single that brought home Jayden Williams, who was a constant presence on the bases throughout the series, finishing 5-for-10 with eight runs scored.
The game broke open in the second inning as the Catamounts erupted offensively. Jaylen Jones launched a two-run homer, Trent Turner added an RBI single, and with the bases loaded, Fox delivered the defining blow—a grand slam that extended the lead to 9–1.
From there, Western Carolina maintained complete control, cruising to a 16–3 victory in a seven-inning run-rule result. The pitching staff was efficient and effective, with starter Evan Myers and reliever Kaden Fuller combining to limit The Citadel to three runs on five hits.
Fox capped a standout weekend with seven RBIs in the finale and a 7-for-12 performance across the series, driving in 11 runs and hitting two home runs.
Presbyterian at Samford — Series Recap
Samford rebounded from an opening loss to take the series over Presbyterian, winning the final two games, though a sweep was expected against a Blue Hose team ranked 295 in RPI.
Game 1 — Presbyterian 7, Samford 5
Presbyterian used a pivotal sixth inning to take control and held off a late Samford push to steal the opener. The Blue Hose struck first in the third inning before Samford answered with a run in the fourth. Both teams traded two runs in the fifth, evening the score at 3–3.
The decisive moment came in the sixth when Presbyterian plated three runs to move ahead 6–3. Samford chipped away in the eighth, scoring twice to narrow the gap to 6–5, but could not complete the comeback. The Blue Hose added an insurance run in the ninth to seal the 7–5 result.
Offensively, Samford turned in several standout individual performances. Trey Higgins went 3-for-4 with a home run and a triple, while Luke Boykin added a home run and two RBIs. Parker McDonald reached base consistently, finishing 3-for-3 with a double, though the Bulldogs came up short in key late situations. McDonald, however, delivered an exceptional three-game series, going 8-for-13 with four doubles and a home run to earn SoCon Player of the Week honors.
Game 2 — Samford 7, Presbyterian 4
Samford responded immediately in the second game, using early offense and a strong start on the mound to even the series. Presbyterian opened the scoring in the first inning, but the Bulldogs answered with three runs in the bottom half. Jake Souders led off with a solo home run, and a double by Gandy brought home both Boykin and Higgins to give Samford a 3–1 lead.
The Bulldogs extended their advantage in the fifth inning, adding three more runs to make it 6–1. Higgins delivered a two-run single, and Gandy followed with an RBI single to cap the rally. Presbyterian managed to scratch across a run in the seventh, but Samford maintained control.
In the eighth, Parker McDonald doubled in another run to push the lead to 7–2. The Blue Hose added two runs in the ninth, but the outcome was already in hand as Samford secured a 7–4 victory.
Game 3 — Samford 5, Presbyterian 0
Samford closed the series with its most complete performance, shutting out Presbyterian behind a balanced effort on both sides of the ball. The Bulldogs opened the scoring in the third inning when Trey Higgins singled home Carr, and they added another run in the fourth on a solo home run by Marshall.
The game remained controlled and methodical until the seventh inning, when Samford created separation. Luke Boykin singled in a run, and Parker McDonald followed with a two-run inside-the-park home run to extend the lead to 5–0.
McDonald finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Marshall contributed two hits and a home run. Carr and Pierce Dutton each added two hits as the lineup produced steady pressure.
On the mound, Noah Berry, John Whitney, and Zak Spurrier combined to limit Presbyterian to five hits, securing the Blue Hose’s first shutout loss of the season. The Bulldogs’ pitching staff maintained command throughout, preventing any sustained offensive threat.
Samford’s ability to regroup after the opener defined the weekend, as the Bulldogs executed more cleanly in all phases to take the series and build momentum moving forward.
Mercer at No. 16 Oregon State — Series Recap
The Bears pushed the No. 16 Beavers in multiple spots—particularly in the opener. Mercer showed it could match up offensively in stretches, yet Oregon State’s elite pitching staff proved decisive.
Game 1 — Oregon State 7, Mercer 5
The opener turned into a missed opportunity for Mercer, which built multiple leads but could not close out a ranked opponent. Oregon State struck first with a run in the opening inning, but the Bears responded in the third as Logan Shepherd launched a two-run home run and Chris Katz followed with a solo shot to take a 3–1 lead.
The Beavers answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning, tying the game at 3–3. Mercer regained control in the seventh when Dylan LaPointe delivered the team’s third home run of the night, a two-run blast that pushed the Bears ahead 5–3.
That advantage evaporated late. In the eighth inning, Oregon State strung together a comeback highlighted by a one-out, two-run double that flipped the game and propelled the Beavers to a 7–5 win.
On the mound, Oregon State’s staff was overpowering, recording 19 strikeouts. All-American starter Dax Whitney accounted for 13 of them.
Game 2 — Oregon State 19, Mercer 2
The second game unraveled quickly for Mercer in a lopsided contest defined by control issues and relentless pressure from Oregon State’s lineup. Mercer pitchers hit eight batters, including five in the seventh inning alone, repeatedly putting the Beavers on base.
Oregon State paired that offensive surge with another dominant pitching performance, striking out 18 batters one day after recording 19. Starter Ethan Kleinschmit set the tone with 12 strikeouts over five innings, limiting any chance of a Mercer response.
The Bears’ only offense came via two solo home runs from Titan Kamaka and Brant Baughcum.
Game 3 — Oregon State 3, Mercer 1
The series finale returned to a tighter, pitching-driven contest, but Oregon State once again executed late to complete the sweep. The Beavers opened the scoring in the first inning, capitalizing on a fielding error by Mercer second baseman Devyn McEachron that allowed a run to score.
Mercer answered in the third when Chris Katz singled to bring home McEachron, tying the game at 1–1. From there, both pitching staffs settled in, keeping the score level into the seventh inning.
Oregon State broke the tie in the seventh by loading the bases with a single and two walks. A sacrifice fly brought in the go-ahead run, and a subsequent wild pitch added an insurance run to make it 3–1. The Beavers’ pitching staff closed out the final two innings without allowing another run, sealing the sweep.
Oregon State’s combination of strikeout dominance and late-inning execution defined the series, while Mercer showed flashes of offensive capability but struggled to sustain momentum against one of the nation’s top pitching staffs.
Ranking the SoCon Weekend Performances
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wofford |
| 2 | ETSU |
| 3 | The Citadel |
| 4 | VMI |
| 5 | Samford |
| 6 | Western Carolina |
| 7 | Mercer |
| 8 | UNC Greensboro |
