RALEIGH, N.C. — USC Union swept Duke in a three-game series over the weekend.

Spencer Rash (2-0) pitched the Bantams to a 10-0 shutout on Saturday in game one. He tossed a complete game allowing just three hits with six strikeouts and three walks. Mike Wood led the Bantams at the plate with two singles, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Taylor Sims had a single and double with two RBI and also scored a run. Parker Burt had a single and a double with an RBI, scored two runs and had one stolen base. The Bantams scored 10 runs off seven hits in the the contest.

“Parker and Mike really hit the ball well. They also got some great jumps and were able to swipe a few bases,” said USC Union Head Coach Paul Wilkes. “Spencer had a perfect game going into the fourth inning but he gave up a walk and a hit. He has really pitched well for us this year and I expected great things from him.”

In the second game USC Union took a 8-6 win over Duke. Hunter Watts (2-0) pitched a complete seven inning game with two strikeouts, four walks and allowed seven hits.

“Hunter didn’t have his best outing on the mound, but when he was put in a tough spot he always pulled through,” said Wilkes. “He likes being under pressure. He seems to perform better.”

The Bantams found themselves down 4-1 in the fourth inning when Mike Wood came to plate with bases loaded. Wood hit a towering fly ball that hopped the wall and allowed all three runners to score while he slid safely into third for a triple.

“That hit was a big momentum swing for us and really got our team fired up, and bats suddenly came alive,” said Wilkes.

Wood led the offense with a single, a double and four RBI. Watts and Lee Wiburn each had two singles and Bubba Means contributed a double, a single and two RBI.

The Bantams touched up Duke’s pitching staff for 16 hits on Sunday in a 20-1 win to close out the series.

Taylor Sims was the winning pitcher with nine strikeouts and four walks while allowing just three hits. Dontee Stewart had three singles, two runs scored and three stolen bases.

“Dontee hit the ball well, and was a speed demon on the bases,” said Wilkes. “He really hustles hard on the field and leaves everything out there. Taylor pitched a great game and really helped himself out with his bat and his aggressiveness on the bases.”

Sims contributed two singles, an RBI, scored two runs and had three stolen bases. Means had two singles, four stolen bases and scored three runs.Wood had a triple and three RBI, and three stolen bases. David Henderson had a single and a double with two RBI, a run scored and a stolen base. Jaquane Foster had a single and double with an RBI and Alec Acevedo had a double and a single with an RBI, scored a run and was hit by a pitch. Patrick Toney scored two runs, and had a stolen base. Parker Burt, Vincent Price, Wilburn and Hunter McAfee each added hits.

The Bantams will face Eastern Carolina’s Division I club team on Saturday, March 9 at Guy Smith Stadium in Greenville, NC. First pitch is slated for 12:05 p.m. The second game will follow 30 minutes after. Games three and four will be played on Sunday with the first pitch scheduled for 11:05 a.m.

Sports Editor Tiffany Grady-Hudgins can be reached by e-mail at thudgins@civitasmedia.com or by cell at (864) 251-4330.