Senators pull off split with Spartanburg Methodist

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – It was a pitcher's duel on Tuesday afternoon between No. 15 Walters State and Spartanburg Methodist as the teams split a double-header. The Pioneers took game one 2-1, but the Senators bounced back, winning game two 1-0.

With the split, Walters State moves to 12-6 on the season.

Jared Culp (1-1) got the start in game one on the mound for the Senators, throwing six innings and allowing just two runs on six hits. Culp also struck out five.

The Senators lone run in game one came in the top of the third. Silas Butler started the inning off, reaching second on an error by the left fielder. Then, Caleb McNeely reached on an error, scoring Butler to make it a 1-0 game. The Senators had a chance to add to their lead later in the inning with runners on second and third and no outs but could not get another man across.

The Senators totaled just three hits in the game coming from Bryce Hodge, Jerry Hammons and Alberto Osuna.

In game two, Nathan Hickman (2-1) threw a complete game shutout to lead the Senators. Hickman allowed just three hits in his seven innings of work, striking out five as well.

Offense was at even more a premium in game two of the doubleheader, with the Senators getting the lone run of the game in the top of the second. With one out, Braydon Runion reached on a base hit, stole second and came around to score when Seth Gardner singled up the middle.

The Senators totaled just two hits in game, each coming from Gardner and Runion.

NEXT UP

Walters State begins conference play this weekend as they cap off a 21-game road trip to start the season. The Senators will be in Chattanooga, taking on Chattanooga State. First pitch for Friday's game is set for 2 p.m.