SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Senior Jordan Marks posted a quality start on the mound Friday afternoon in front of a strong defense as USC Upstate shut out Long Island University to open the Mike McGuire era with a 4-0 win. Mason Stewart and Julian Rip each recorded a two-hit performance while Jason Matthews, Cameron MacIntosh, and Braden Durham were responsible for getting the runs across the plate.

"I can't say enough about how we pitched today. Obviously Jordan Marks pitched really well, and then I thought Will Wheeler did what he was supposed to do. He didn't make a mess, he just went out and filled the strike zone up," said head coach Mike McGuire. "We gave up two free bases today, and that's a great recipe on the mound any day no matter who you're playing."

SCORING BREAKDOWN
B2: Devin Buckner ripped a leadoff single to left field before Julian Rip pushed him to second with a single to center field. Ben Olson then put down a sacrifice bunt to advance Buckner and Rip to third and second, respectively. Braden Durham knocked in the first run of the season for the Spartans with a groundout to short stop, sending Buckner home for a 1-0 lead.

B5: Mason Stewart once again got things started with a leadoff single to left in the bottom of the fifth. Jack Hennessy and Jason Matthews combined to advance Stewart to third, setting up Cameron MacIntosh for an RBI-single to center for a 2-0 Spartan lead.

B6: After a pitching change and two quick outs for the Sharks, Stewart reached on a hit by pitch before Hennessy walked to get two runners on base with Jason Matthews up to the plate. Matthews singled to the gap in right center to push Stewart across the plate, and then Hennessy was able to score on an error by LIU to extend Upstate's lead to 4-0.

NOTABLES
Jordan Marks pitched deep into his first appearance for the Spartans this season, allowing just four hits and one walk in 7.1 innings of work. He ended his day with nine strikeouts before Will Wheeler took the mound in the eighth inning to fan four of the last five LIU batters in the game.

UP next for the Spartans
The Spartans return to the diamond for game two against the Sharks on Saturday, Feb. 15. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.

Keep UP with the Spartans
Facebook (UpstateAthletics)
Twitter (@UpstateBSB)
Instagram (@UpstateBSB)
YouTube (USCUpstateAthletics)