CHARLESTON, S.C. – AJ Martin's grand slam in the bottom of the eighth broke a tie, powering Charleston Southern to a 9-5 victory on Tuesday night.
 
The Radhawks were the first to get on the board with a two-run home run to right field in the top of the first, but were unable to hold to the lead for the long as the Bucs' scored four in the bottom of the second.
 
Nathan Martinez and Lucas Pringle each drew walks to begin the inning. Blake Edgmon loaded the bases with a single to right field. Anthony Sanguedolce cleared the bases with a double to right and was brought home by Kaden Smith during the ensuing at bat to put Charleston Southern ahead 4-2.
 
Miami was able to get one back right away as Blake Buzzeo homered to left center to leadoff the third. Ryan Cole then came on in relief, making his CSU debut, throwing the 4^th and 5^th innings and put 0s up on the board.
 
In the bottom of the 5^th, Martinez got his first home run as a Buccaneer sending one over the palm trees in left field to put CSU ahead 5-3. The Redhawks were able to respond quickly again with a Buzzeo single scoring one to bring them back within one in the top of the sixth. In the top of the eighth, Ty Batusich tied it up at five apiece on a fielder's choice RBI.
 
However, Charleston Southern continued to fight, Anthony Sanguedolce drew a walk with an out and a single to left by Smith moved him up a bag. Chandler Tuupo had a single to then load the bases with one out on the board. AJ Martin then came to the plate and had his first career grand slam and second home run as a Buc to break open the game, giving CSU a 9-5 lead. Ryan DuSang came in during the 8^th and forced David Novak to ground into a double play to end the game and secure the victory.
 
The team was led at the plate by Sanguedolce, Smith and Martinez led the team with two hits apiece. Tuupo, Martin, Lucas Pringle and Edgmon each had one in the game.
 
On the mound, Tait Robertson had the start and threw the first three innings of the day. Cole came in after him and tossing a pair of shutout frames. Chris Foster had the next 0.2 with Tyler Henshaw providing a scoreless 1.1 after him. Christian Krause threw the next 0.2 before giving it to DuSang to shut the door on the Redhawks' offense and claim the win.
 
Charleston Southern returns to the field this weekend for a three-game weekend series with Manhattan. The first game is slated for a 4:00 p.m. first pitch on Friday at Nielsen Field at CSU Ballpark.