USC Upstate Shines in Big South Championship, Defeats Winthrop 18-6
USC Upstate’s baseball team made a stunning statement at the Big South Baseball Championship in Asheville, North Carolina, taking down No. 2 seed Winthrop with an impressive 18-6 run-rule victory. This marks the tournament’s first-ever run-rule win, and the Spartans are now in the winner’s bracket, eyeing a repeat as champions.
From the start, the Spartans set an energetic pace. Redshirt sophomore Henry Zenor led off with a solo home run, the team’s first leadoff homer since 2022. Upstate didn’t stop there. They scored consistently, including a five-run fourth inning and a massive six-run fifth inning. Jake Armsey, a redshirt senior, played a crucial role, hitting two doubles that drove in key runs. The highlight came when senior Wylie Waters smashed a grand slam, sending the ball over the left-center video board, sealing the fate for Winthrop.
The offensive display was remarkable—eight of the nine Spartans starters logged at least one hit, and the team tied a record by hitting ten doubles in a single game. This performance not only set a new Division I era record but was just one shy of the program’s all-time record for team doubles in a game.
On the mound, senior pitcher Reece Hemmerling excelled. After entering the game in the third inning, he struck out both batters he faced, then pitched an impressive 4.2 innings, racking up a career-high six strikeouts.
Key Moments of the Game
- T1: Zenor’s homer put Upstate on the board early, followed by another run from an errant throw by Winthrop’s outfield.
- B2: Winthrop responded with two runs, narrowing the gap.
- T4: The Spartans sent 11 batters to the plate, scoring five runs in a single inning, with Armsey’s double being the standout hit.
- T5: Upstate erupted for six runs; Waters’ grand slam marked a definitive moment for the Spartans.
- B6: Winthrop managed a final run, but it was too late to change the outcome.
Noteworthy Stats
- Zenor’s leadoff home run extended Upstate’s streak of games with a home run in the tournament to five.
- The Spartans hit five homers in two tournament games, showcasing their powerful offense.
- Zenor’s three doubles in one game tied a program record, joining a select group of Spartans who have achieved this feat multiple times.
- Upstate’s winning streak has reached eight games, the longest under head coach Kane Sweeney.
What’s Next?
Due to weather interruptions earlier in the championship, Upstate’s next game is scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m. ET against the winner of the High Point vs. Charleston Southern matchup. With their current momentum, the Spartans look poised for continued success.
For more details about the tournament and other teams, you can check USC Upstate’s athletics page.
