USC Beaufort knocks around Savannah State, 15-6

The University of South Carolina - Beaufort baseball team wasn't intimidated by its first NCAA Division I opponent -- in fact, the Sand Sharks played the role of bully. Designated hitter Jon Schmidt's grand slam in the first inning set the tone, and the Sand Sharks pounded Savannah State, 15-6, on the road Tuesday, snapping a three-game losing streak and starting a string of five consecutive days with games on the right foot.

Schmidt's third home run of the season was the only hit USCB managed against Tigers starter Mark Sherrod, but knuckleballer Nick Rhodes and three relievers made it stand up until the Sand Sharks could break it open with a seven-run eighth and a three-run ninth. Gabe Torres, T.J. Kemp and DeShontay Berry each drove in two runs, as the Sand Sharks snapped out of an offensive funk after scoring only one run in a doubleheader against Warner University on Saturday. Dustin Britt, Kemp and Rossetti had two hits apiece for USCB.

Rhodes (3-1) had another solid start, allowing three runs on five hits in five innings. Ryan Kroko allowed one run in two innings of relief, Colton Rudd gave up an unearned run in an inning of work and Kyle McCullough allowed one run in pitching the ninth. The Sand Sharks are members of the NAIA Sun Conference and records their first victory against a NCAA Division I program.

Box Score

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