Over the Easter weekend, the Hurricanes hosted a four-game series with Region X foe Spartanburg Methodist College.   The determined Pioneers fought hard to compete with the nationally ranked 'Canes, splitting the weekend 2-2.

Game 1
LC 12   SMC 3

The No. 2 Louisburg baseball team jumped out to an early lead after scoring four runs in the first inning then six in the third of the first game Friday afternoon en route to a 12-3 victory over Spartanburg Methodist College and a Region X split. SMC won the second game, 4-2.

Louisburg moves to 38-5 overall and 13-5 in the region, while SMC moves to 23-13,
6-10.

In the first game, Tim Brechbuehler (8-0) earned the win with seven strikeouts, three walks and three earned runs on four hits in six innings pitched.

SMC's Tanner Hawley (2-1) took the loss after walking two and allowing ten runs (3 earned) on eleven hits in 2.2 innings pitched.

The Hurricanes took a 4-0 lead in the first inning after Zach Houchins belted a homerun to deep center plating leadoff hitter Steve Nyisztor who reached on a single.  Back-to-back singles from Chris Robinson and Marcus Wojtkowicz gave the 'Canes a 3-0 lead as SMC's center fielder committed a fielding error plating Robinson.   Wojtkowicz would score on a wild pitch by Hawley giving LC a 4-0 lead.

Pioneer's outfielder Robbie Dobbs would cut the lead to three with a homerun bringing the score to 4-1. 

The third was the big stanza for the Hurricanes, who took the lead at 10-1.  Louisburg would pound out six runs on six hits as Chris Robinson started the rally reaching on a SMC fielding error, move to second on a wild pitch, then advance to third on a ground out by Wojtkowciz.  Brandon Rawe's RBI double would plate Robinson.  Chris King walked then a wild pitch would move both runners.  A ground out by Tucker Coward would score Rawe.  Five more consecutive hits by 'Canes' hitters would score four more runs before ending the inning.

SMC attempt to threaten in the fifth produced only two runs on two hits as Brechbuehler forced a line drive to right field to close out the inning leaving two SMC runners stranded. 

The Hurricanes added two more runs in the sixth on a bases loaded throwing error by SMC's shortstop. 

For Louisburg, Nyisztor batted 4-for-5 with a double, Houchins 2-for-5 with three RBI and a homerun, and Rawe 2-for-3.

Game 2
LC  2    SMC 4

Spartanburg Methodist would open up game 2 scoring a run in the top of the second off of Domineke Albert's solo homerun.  The 'Canes would answer back in the home half of the inning as Augie Ayers crushed a home run to tie the game 1-1.

Both teams would trade leads in the fourth frame scoring a run apiece before the Pioneers would take the final two go ahead runs in the top of the fifth as Bruce Cadwell would blast a two run homer over right center.  SMC's three homeruns accounted for three of their eight hits and their four runs to win the game.

Louisburg would threaten in the fifth and sixth with three hits but left four on base and unable to manufacture any runs.  

Tony Urban (6-1) picked up his first loss on the year tossing 4.2 innings with three strike outs, four runs, and seven hits.  Daniel Hyatt and Josh Roeder would combine for five strikeouts for the Hurricanes. 

SMC's Jimmy Lindberg (2-1) was awarded the win after striking out five, walking two and allowing two earned runs on 6 hits in 4.1 innings pitched.  Michael Keels picked up his first save pitching 2.2 innings of relief.

For Louisburg, Ayers batted 3-for-3 with two RBI and a homerun. 

Game 3
LC 10  SMC 9

The LC baseball team rallied in the eighth inning for the go ahead run to win game three, 10-9.

Louisburg's Josh Roeder (4-1) earned the win after striking out one and allowing no runs on one hit in one inning of work.

The Pioneers' Wilson (1-1) took the loss with one earned run on two hits in one inning of work.

Louisburg took a 2-0 lead in the first inning as Steve Nyisztor and Zach Houchins advanced after being hit by pitches.  Tyler Long's single loaded the bases setting up Chris Robinson (fielder's choice) and Brandon Rawe (single) for a RBI apiece. 

The Pioneers made it 2-2 in the third when SMC's Bruce Caldwell launched a two-run homer over deep center. 

The 'Canes would counter in the same inning with two runs on singles by Tyler Long, Chris Robinson, and Marcus Wojtkowicz (RBI).  A wild pitch and a SAC fly by Chris King would score Long bringing the score to 4-2. 

The Pioneers answered in the fourth with three runs on David Donald's two run homerun and a RBI double by Bruce Caldwell to go ahead 5-4.

In the sixth, SMC stormed ahead scoring four runs to take a 9-4 lead.  Dacen Cash's RBI single and an intentional walk by the Hurricanes set up Wil Leathers' three run homerun giving the Pioneers their third of the game.   

The 'Canes would charge back in the home half of the sixth.  Leadoff hitter Augie Ayers' single started the four run rally for the Hurricanes.  Nyisztor was hit by pitch; his second of the game, and a single by Houchins loaded the bases for Long's first RBI of the game with a SAC fly to center plating Ayers.  With runners at first and third, a walk by Robinson loaded the bases.  Wojtkowciz's two out single pushed Robinson and scored Nyisztor and Houchins.  With two runners on, Rawe doubled bringing the tying run across the plate before Wojtkowciz was called out at home to take the lead. 

Reliever Zach McCormack stifled the Pioneer's offense allowing no runs, no hits and no errors in the top of the seventh.    

Heading into the bottom of the seventh down 9-8, Tucker Coward would reach on a hit by pitch then steal second on a wild pitch.  Jake Watson hit a laser down right field line for a RBI triple to tie the score 9-9. 

Louisburg closer Josh Roeder gave up one hit, no runs and set down the final batter to close out the inning for the Pioneers. 

The one-run, eighth-inning rally began when Tyler Long reached on a walk then advanced to second on a wild pitch.  Chris Robinson's double down the left field line pushed Long across the plate to win the game.

For Louisburg, Rawe went 2-for-3 with three RBI, Wojtkowciz 2-for-4 with three RBI, and Robinson 2-for-2 with two RBI.

Game 4
LC  0   SMC 9

In game four, SMC's Alex Pridemore (5-0) earned the win after striking out 4 and allowing no runs on two hits in seven innings pitched.

Louisburg's Willie Sligh (3-1) was the losing pitcher, walking three and allowing two earned runs on five hits in four innings pitched.

The 'Canes fell behind early as SMC scored one run in the second, three in the third and four in the fifth to jump out to an 8-0 lead. 

Louisburg struggled offensively combining for only two hits with five left on base.

Ayers and Watson would lead the Hurricanes with one hit apiece. 

Louisburg moves to 39-6 overall and 14-6 in the region, while SMC is 27-14, 7-11.

Louisburg will face USC-Salkahatchie Saturday in Region X action at Frazier Field.  Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.