Jake Armsey and Tyler Lang Homer For Basebal in Ingles I-26 Rivalry Series Finale Versus UNC Asheville

Sunday, March 29

Spartanburg, S.C.

1:00 p.m.

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics

14-15, 5-4

UNC Asheville

14-14, 2-4

UNC Asheville

USC Upstate

Photo by: Catherine Harney

3/29/2026 5:38:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Entering Sunday with an opportunity to secure the Spartans' first series sweep of the 2026 campaign, USC Upstate baseball's latest comeback attempt fell just short, dropping a 5-3 decision Sunday afternoon to UNC Asheville at Cleveland S. Harley Park.

Seeking a fourth-straight win decided in the ninth inning, Upstate put two aboard with consecutive one-out singles from redshirt sophomore catcher Tyler Lang and redshirt sophomore shortstop Maloy Heaghney, part of their multi-hit days. UNC Asheville, behind successive groundouts, stranded the two runners in scoring position, holding on for the victory.

Adding another two-run scoring extra-base hit against Bulldog starting pitcher Garrett Crum—the same pitcher he faced when he hit his walk-off double Friday evening, redshirt senior third baseman Jake Armsey began the scoring with a two-run homer to left in the second inning.

However, the Bulldogs fought back in the fourth to gain the advantage, hitting a grand slam to left-center. In the fifth inning, Lang pulled Upstate within a run, launching a solo shot to the scoreboard in left-center. UNC Asheville responded with an insurance run in the sixth stanza, creating the final margin.

Making the first start of his Upstate career, senior right-handed pitcher Reece Hemmerling turned in 3.0 scoreless frames, limiting the Bulldogs to two hits and three baserunners as he notched his third consecutive scoreless outing. In relief, freshman right-hander Andrew Kummer and sophomore lefty Max Kaplan combined for 3.2 innings of scoreless relief, putting Upstate in position for its late-inning rally attempt.

Game Information
Score: UNC Asheville 5; USC Upstate 3
Records: USC Upstate (14-15; 5-4 Big South); UNC Asheville (14-14; 2-4 Big South)
Location: Cleveland S. Harley Park | Spartanburg, S.C.

How It Happened

B2: While not coming in the first inning, Upstate began its scoring via the long ball as Jake Armsey laced a two-run shot down the leftfield line.
T4: Taking the lead for the first time, UNC Asheville struck for four in the frame as Coleman McGinnis slugged a grand slam to the right of the scoreboard in left-center.
B5: Getting a run back for the Spartans, Tyler Lang swatted his second homer of the weekend, a solo shot to the left of the scoreboard at Harley Park.
T6: Reclaiming the run it surrendered in the fifth, the Bulldogs used a productive out, a groundout to third, to push across another tally.

Notable

Turning a double play in the ninth inning, Upstate extended its streak of consecutive games with a twin killing to six. Turning two using the 4-6-3 combination, the double play marked the fourth time using that specific combination, the second-most common double play turn for the Spartans in 2026.
Slugging another two homers Sunday, the Spartans have clubbed multiple homers in three straight contests, the longest such stretch for the club this season. It's the longest stretch for Upstate since hitting multiple long balls in five straight contests from April 12 to April 19, 2025.

Up Next for the Spartans
Bookending their three-game home series, Upstate follows its three home contests with another five on the road, beginning Tuesday at George Mason. The Spartans and Patriots meet for a 3 p.m. ET first pitch from Fairfax, Va.

Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateBSB | @UpstateSpartans
Instagram | @UpstateBSB | @UpstateSpartans
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans

INVEST IN CHAMPIONS - Join the Upstate Athletic Fund (UAF) and enjoy enhanced benefits for your support of all USC Upstate programs! Make your gift today, click here!