Bucs Look to Continue BSC Win Streak vs. UNC Asheville

CHARLESTON, S.C. – After a pair of midweek nonconference match ups, the CSU baseball team will look to extend its three-game Big South Conference winning streak when the UNC Asheville Bulldogs come to town this weekend.  The Bucs will host the Bulldogs Friday through Sunday, with all games set for 2 p.m. at CSU Ballpark. 

Bucs & Bulldogs
CSU will resume conference play when they host the UNC Asheville Bulldogs this weekend at CSU Ballpark.  The Big South foes will meet for the 65th time, with the Bucs holding the series lead at 39-25.   The Bulldogs claimed all three games last season in North Carolina, but the Bucs have typically found success on their home field against UNCA.   Since 2001, CSU is 8-7 vs. UNCA at home.

McCready Among Nation’s Best
CSU relief pitcher Charlie McCready currently ranks among the nation’s best pitchers, and is tied for first place in NCAA Division I with an ERA of 0.36.  McCready is tied with East Carolina’s Brad Mincey for the lead.  McCready is also 42nd in hits allowed per inning with 5.34 and is 2-0 on the season with 15 appearances. 

Ward Picks Up the Win
Sophomore Kyle Ward earned not only his first career decision, but his first career win on Wednesday against Furman.  Ward held the Paladins scoreless and struck out three in relief.  A two way player for the Bucs, Ward made five appearances as a freshman and has made two this season.  He boasts an ERA of 0.00 and has given up just two hits on the season.

Two Out Hitters
The Bucs have found success this season when they step up to the plate with two outs on the board.  In fact, CSU boasts 71 two-out RBI to its opponent’s 62.  Jaren Sustar and Derek Smith are the most successful two-out hitters.  Sustar has driven home 13 runs with two outs, while Smith has knocked in a team-leading 16.    Sustar is also the team’s most successful hitter when the bases are loaded, with four hits in seven at bats - one of which was a grand slam. 

Buccaneer Blast
- Cody Austin set a career high with three runs scored at Furman.
- Blake Hunt also had a good game vs. the Paladins, tying his career high in at bats with five.
- Walt Quattlebaum tied his career high with three RBI at Furman.
- Alex Tomasovich set a new career high with three hits vs. the Paladins.
- Starting pitcher Ali Williams struck out a career high six batters in (also a career high) 4.2 innings pitched vs. Furman. 

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