CHARLESTON, S.C. – USC Upstate baseball got an early run in the top of the second, and that would prove to be enough for the day as Alex Garbrick and Sawyer Worrell combined for 14 strikeouts and didn't allow a single run and the Spartans defeated College of Charleston 1-0 in game two of the series Saturday afternoon.

"What can you say about our pitching today. Alex Garbrick was lights out. He ran into a jam in the first inning, but to pitch into the fifth inning after a taxing first inning without giving up any runs shows signs of maturity. Sawyer Worrell was really dominant at the end of the ballgame. He pitched very calmly and filled the strike zone up. We weren't very good offensively today, but the bottom line is we got out of here with a win, and that's what we came here to do. We're excited to come play again tomorrow," said head coach Mike McGuire.

Alex Garbrick found himself with runners on the corners and no outs after back-to-back singles in the bottom of the first, but he was able to fight back and get out of the jam. He got the win on the day to improve to 2-0 this season after tossing 4.2 innings with six strikeouts, four hits, and just one walk.

Sawyer Worrell entered in the bottom of the fifth and went on to throw the last 4.1 innings with a new career-high eight strikeouts. He struck out the side in order in the bottom of the sixth and allowed just one walk and zero hits on the day to pick up his first collegiate save.

With a single to right in the top of the sixth, Jack Gallagher extended his hit streak to eight games. He finished the day with two hits after another single in the top of the eighth.

Jason Matthews has recorded a hit in each game so far this season after starting things off with a leadoff double to left center in the top of the first. He also finished the day with a pit of hits.

Jeff Taylor scored the lone run of the game as he ripped a double to right center in the top of the second and then with two outs, Damon Maynard drive Taylor home with a single to right.

UP Next for the Spartans
Game three is set for tomorrow, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. as the Spartans will look to go for the series sweep.

Spartans Win Today, You Save Tomorrow!
Save 50% off online orders at Papa John's locations across the Upstate. Use the code USCUP50 when placing online orders the day after Upstate victories. Also tomorrow, visit The Beacon Drive-In located in Spartanburg and show the win graphic posted to the @UpstateSpartans Instagram account to claim a free sweet tea as part of the "Sweet Taste of Victory" promotion. No purchase necessary.

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