RAMS FALL TO USC UPSTATE

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- USC Upstate posted a 17-hit attack en route to an 18-0 win over Shepherd University in baseball action at the USC-Upstate Invitational. The Rams fall to 3-4 with the loss, while USC Upstate improves to 15-7.

Bret Hansen was 2-for-4 with seven runs batted in and four runs scored for the Spartans. He belted a grand slam to highlight a five-run third inning.

Shepherd managed five hits in the contest. Junior outfielder Collin Brown (Durham, NC/Southern Durham HS/NC State) doubled, while junior third baseman Nicky Brown (Hedgesville, WV/Hedgesville HS/ Potomac State), junior catcher David Toth (Lexington, KY/Lexington Christian Academy/Potomac State), redshirt freshman infielder Jamison Jarvis (Culpeper, VA/Culpeper HS), and freshman second baseman Josh Bowers (Williamsport, MD/Williamsport HS) each had singles.

Senior starter Scott Koscielniak (Severn, MD/ Old Mill HS/CCBC-Catonsville) (1-1) took the loss, while Scott Eckard (3-1), who fanned seven in seven innings, earned the victory.

The Rams are scheduled to return to action on Wednesday when they host Bluefield College for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader.

Shepherd 000 000 000 0 5 5

USC Upstate 435 002 04X 18 17 0

Eckard, Dalton (8) and Kais; Koscielniak, Mumaw (3), Anderson (6), Biser (8) and Toth, Martin (6).

HR: USCU - Hansen (3rd, three on).

WP: Eckard (3-1)

LP: Koscielniak (1-1)