HICKORY, N.C. — Behind a 15-hit offensive performance, the Catawba Valley Community College baseball team slugged its way to a 10-1 victory against USC Union on Friday afternoon at Henkel-Alley Field.
Shortstop Garrison Burress led the charge for Catawba Valley (8-2), driving in four runs in the contest, while designated hitter Blake Jeter and first baseman Kyran Russ both connected on solo home runs during the contest.
CVCC catcher Brett Macchia also tallied a team-high three hits, and third baseman Graham Mitchell, center fielder Cory Watt and Russ also had two hits apiece at the plate.
The Red Hawks broke on to the scoreboard first in the bottom of the third inning with an RBI double from right fielder David Graves, which plated Macchia.
The Bantams (1-4) would answer immediately in the top of the fourth inning after Steve Joyner scored on an error in right field.
Tied 1-1 through 3.5 innings, Jeter's solo home run to right field broke the tie between the two squads for good in Friday's game.
Catawba Valley proceeded to score four runs in each of the next two innings, including a three-run double by Burress in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Russ led off the sixth inning with a solo home run, and before the inning was over Catawba Valley added runs on an RBI single from Macchia, an RBI double by Watt and a bases loaded walk from Burress.
On the mound, the Red Hawks received a dominating start from sophomore pitcher Harry Hatcher, who allowed just five hits, one unearned run, one walk and struck eight batters in five innings of work.
Relief pitchers Thomas Walden, Connor Hewell and Timothy Davila combined to close out the final four innings of the game for CVCC, giving up only two hits, one walk and striking out four batters.
Catawba Valley returns to the diamond on Saturday for a doubleheader with USC Union featuring a pair of seven-inning games starting at 1 p.m.
