Two-Run First Lifts Bears to Win Over the Bulldogs

Friday, May 27

Greenville, S.C.

7:30 PM

Mercer University

40-17

The Citadel

26-31

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
The Citadel	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	1
Mercer	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	X	2	4	1

Photo by: James Thomas

Two-Run First Lifts Bears to Win Over the Bulldogs

5/27/2022 11:35:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Mercer bests The Citadel, 2-1, on Friday night

GREENVILLE, S.C. – David Burke hit a two-run single in the first inning that stood up to lead No. 2 seed Mercer to a 2-1 victory over eighth-seeded The Citadel in an elimination game of the Southern Conference Championship Friday night at Fluor Field.

Treyson Hughes and Collin Price were on base with two outs before Burke lined a single into center field, plating both runners in the opening frame.

The Bulldogs (26-31) loaded the bases against Josh Harlow in the second inning. Luke Montenery was hit by a pitch that pushed Wells Sykes across the plate to cut the lead in half.

Rick Cameron discusses tonight's 2-1 win with Head Coach @CraigGibson_MU pic.twitter.com/ACTrHU6OzV — Mercer Baseball (@MercerBaseball) May 28, 2022

Mercer (40-17) head coach Craig Gibson then went to the bullpen, calling on reliever Jackson Kelley. The sidewinding righty was able to get out of the jam with a groundout to keep the Bears in front.

Kelley went on to toss 7.1 scoreless innings to earn the win in relief. He also struck out seven and allowed only three hits.

Mercer managed only four hits at the plate, but Burke's lone hit was the only one needed in the pitchers' duel.

The Bears advance to play No. 4 seed UNCG at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in another elimination game.