Tigerville, SC - The North Greenville Crusaders fell to the Patriots of Francis Marion University to begin the conference series with a final score of 6-3 on a very windy day at Ray & Bea Dillard Field. NGU was limited at the plate, managing just four hits and three walks for the game. FMU took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st. Pitching handled both lineups throughout the early and middle innings. However, NGU was able to get on the board in the bottom of the 7th with an RBI single through the left side. After a scoreless 8th, Francis Marion reclaimed the lead and pulled away in the 9th with five runs in the inning. NGU would put up a fight but would ultimately come up short, finishing the game with two runs in the 9th including a sacrifice fly by Joe Cash. Brent Stukes was charged with the loss.

David Lewis posted North Greenville's only base hit that resulted in an RBI. Pat Monteith recorded a double, NGU's only extra-base hit of the game. Jake Monroe pitched a solid 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 earned run on 5 hits and a walk and collected 4 strikeouts.

North Greenville and Francis Marion will return to action tomorrow at noon.