CHARLESTON, S.C. - Charleston Southern fell in a pitching duel that lived up to its billing on Friday night as the Buccaneers were unable to overcome USC Upstate in Friday night's series opener at Nielsen Field at the CSU Ballpark, 2-0.

CSU (10-15, 10-11 Big South) rode the talented arm of R.J. Petit (3-4) in the contest as the redshirt sophomore went seven strong innings allowing five hits and two runs (one earned), while striking out four. USC Upstate (23-7, 14-7 Big South) countered with ace Jordan Marks (6-1) as the junior went the distance in the complete game shutout scattering just four hits while striking out nine.

Johnny Oliveira, Houston Parker, Brooks Bryan, and Connor Aldrich posted CSU's hits in the contest, while Tyrell Brewer drew a pair of walks in the Bucs' loss.

Jason Matthews went 3-for-3 from the plate to pace the Spartans offense, while Jack Hennessey connected on a triple to open the game to highlight his two-hit evening.

John Sendziak and Bradyn Kail both hurled shutout innings in relief for the Bucs.
 
How They Scored

• Jack Hennessey came across on a wild pitch to open the scoring in the top of the first inning to put the Spartans ahead early.
• Noah Rabon scored USC Upstate's second run of the game in the top of the seventh as he came across on a CSU throwing error to put the Spartans ahead 2-0.

Up Next
Charleston Southern and USC Upstate close out the weekend with a doubleheader at Nielsen Field at the CSU Ballpark tomorrow afternoon. First pitch between the Bucs and Spartans is set for 1 p.m.