Tigerville, SC - North Greenville clinched his opening conference series with 6-3 and 3-2 victories over the Barton College Bulldogs at Ray & Bea Dillard Field. Runs came at a premium in both games as the Crusaders recorded 9 total runs for the day while the Bulldogs scored 5. NGU was able to make the most with runners in scoring position, going 4-14 (.290) for the day while Barton went just 4-17 (.235) and left 19 runners on base. Brent Herlong and Christian Ryder recorded wins while Ryan Kirk earned his 3rd save of the season.

Game One - 6-3 NGU

Ethan Garner was first on the mound for his 4th start of the season. Pitching proved to be effective early on as NGU would collect just two hits in the first four innings while the Bulldogs would post four. Barton was first to get on the board in the top of the 5th when a double to right field resulted in a run being driven in. After a leadoff triple by Collin Watt, Brady West came through with an RBI groundout to even things up at 1-1. NGU would add a run in the bottom of the 6th when John Michael Faile singled to center field to drive in Gehrig Octavio, making the score 2-1. However, BC would respond in the top of the 7th with two unearned runs. After going three up, three down in the bottom of the 7th, North Greenville was able to get the bats going in the 8th when Faile hit a two-run home run to right center. Later in the inning with two runners on base, Brady West would come in clutch with a two-RBI double down the right field line. Ryan Kirk was able to put an end to things with a scoreless top of the 9th to earn the save.

Game Two - 3-2 NGU

Christian Ryder took the mound for his 4th start. This time, NGU would get on the board first when Collin Watt continued his strong day with an RBI double down the left field line. In the top of the 3rd, Barton would respond with a two-run home run by Trevor Edior to take a 2-1 lead. However, Michael Neustifter tied things back up with a homer of his own. After the 5th and 6th innings went scoreless, the Bulldogs threatened in the top of the 7th but came up empty. With two outs in the bottom of the inning, NGU put together clutch hitting with singles by Cory Bivins and Josh Senter. Those were followed by an RBI single through the right side by Jeremy Whitehead to bring in the winning run. Ryder pitched a complete game and earned the win.

The series will conclude tomorrow in Tigerville with first pitch scheduled for 1:30 PM.