Box Score AMERICUS, Ga. — Behind another dominant outing from
Evan Koehler and a fast start at the plate, Georgia Southwestern opened its Peach Belt Conference series with a 10-2 victory over Claflin University Friday night at Hurricane Stadium.
Koehler, a two-time National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Southeast Region Pitcher of the Week, improved to 6-0 on the season and continued his run as one of the league's most reliable arms. The right-hander struck out 11 over six innings, marking his fifth double-digit strikeout performance in eight starts this spring.
Early Offense Sets the Tone
GSW (16-13, 9-4 PBC) wasted little time taking control, plating three runs in the first inning and never looking back.
Drake Harman ignited the offense with a three-hit night and two RBIs, extending his on-base streak to 20 consecutive games. The Hurricanes added on in the second and broke things open with a three-run third, capitalizing on free passes and defensive miscues to build a 7-0 advantage.
Devon Murphy continued his steady production at the top of the lineup, recording his team-leading 13th multi-hit game of the season while scoring twice and driving in a run.
Koehler in Control
With a comfortable cushion, Koehler settled in and dominated the Claflin lineup. He scattered three hits and allowed just one run while consistently missing bats and limiting traffic.
He struck out multiple batters in four of his innings on the hill and kept Claflin (3-18, 0-13 PBC) from mounting any sustained threat before exiting after six.
Adding On Late
The Hurricanes tacked on insurance runs in the fourth, sixth, and eighth innings, taking advantage of nine walks and five hit batters issued by Claflin pitching.
Jacob Reeves drove in a run and reached base three times, while
Caleb Gipson added a hit and a walk as part of a balanced offensive effort.
Closing It Out
Rem Maxwell handled the final three innings to secure his second save of the season, striking out four while allowing just one run.
GSW's pitching staff combined for 15 strikeouts on the night, continuing a trend of swing-and-miss dominance.
Next Up
The three-game series wraps up Saturday with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
