A Comeback for the Ages
USC Upstate’s baseball squad improved to six straight victories on Tuesday, outlasting Northern Kentucky 10-8 in a game that swung dramatically in the sixth inning.
The Spartans had trailed by five runs before a clutch three‑run homer from Brady Small erased the deficit and put the team ahead. The long ball sparked a rally that culminated in an insurance run, sealing a 10‑9 finish.
Key Performances
Maloy Heaghney and Henry Zenor each drove in two runs, while Zenor paced the offense with three hits. Trey Bentley, Johnny Sweeney and the rest of the lineup added timely hits that kept the pressure on the opposition.
On the mound, Jacob Kirby delivered a career‑long four innings, allowing just one run and striking out three batters. Reliever Juan Reyes followed with two scoreless frames, extending his streak to six consecutive shutout appearances.
Senior Day Celebration
Before the first pitch, the team honored a 10‑member senior class, recognizing their contributions over the past years. The ceremony added an emotional layer to a contest that already featured a dramatic turnaround.
With the regular season now concluded at a 10‑1 record in May, USC Upstate prepares to enter the 2026 Big South Baseball Championship. Seedings for the tournament will be announced at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday by the Big South Conference, setting the stage for postseason play.