UMO baseball sweeps No. 16 Erskine

By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on April 4, 2015 11:35 PM

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DUE WEST, S.C. -- Remember that 11/2-game deficit?

It's now a 11/2-game lead.

No. 20-ranked University of Mount Olive regained the Conference Carolinas baseball lead after completing a three-game sweep of nemesis Erskine on Saturday afternoon.

Derek Justice scattered six hits and logged three strikeouts in a seven-inning performance as the Trojans claimed game three, 16-4.

UMO scored in five of nine innings, including a seventh-inning eruption that included a two-RBI double by Justin Manning. Bretton Gouthro, Zak Orrison, Kilgore Gailmard and Jason Morozowski each provided an RBI.

Morozowski (three RBI) emerged as the offensive leader with four hits, including two doubles. Manning (game-high four RBI) and Gailmard (RBI) provided three hits apiece.

Earlier in the day, sophomore Kodi Whitley tossed a complete-game six-hitter and Morozowski homered during an 11-4 win. Whitley (7-2) permitted four runs (three earned) and retired four Erskine batters on strikeouts.

Leading 2-0 after three innings, the Trojans broke the game open with a six-run fourth.

Gouthro plated Rob Shipman, who connected on a one-double to left-center field. Gailmard added a two-RBI single and Morozowski slapped a three-run home run down the left-field line to make it 8-0.

Mount Olive led 11-0 after 81/2 innings.

The Trojans (28-9 overall, 16-4 CC) opened the weekend with an 11-8 decision over the No.16-ranked Flying Fleet. A six-run, ninth-inning explosion allowed Jordy Farthing to claim his fourth mound win of the season in relief of starter Gunnar Kines.

Gouthro broke a 5-5 tie with an RBI fielder's choice. Joe Koehler stole home and Orrison pushed the advantage to 8-5 with a two-RBI double to left field.

Morozowski finished off Erskine with a two-RBI single. The Division I transfer from Florida International concluded the series 8 for 16 with nine RBI.

The Trojans outscored the Flying Fleet 38-16 and owned a 47-30 advantage in total hits during the three-game set.

UMO begins a stretch of six consecutive home games Tuesday against in-state foe Chowan University. The teams play again Wednesday. The Trojans entertain conference foe North Greenville for a three-game series that begins Friday.