The Longwood Lancers baseball team posted an 11‑4 victory over Charleston Southern in the Big South Tournament, a win that highlighted a potent offensive display and a gritty relief effort. The game, played under bright tournament lights, saw the Lancers surge ahead early and never look back, turning a modest lead into a decisive triumph.
A Night of Power Hitting
The offense was anchored by a series of long balls that rattled the scoreboard. Tré Keels opened the scoring with a solo homer in the first inning, his eighth of the season, while Ben Pulliam followed with a three‑run blast in the fifth that pushed the lead to 7‑3. Jon Howard added his own homer in the same frame, marking his 15th of the year. The trio’s contributions were part of a tournament‑record nine home runs hit by Longwood across three games, underscoring a power surge that left opponents scrambling.
On the mound, JR Fordham delivered a gutsy relief outing that will be remembered for its poise under pressure. He struck out a season‑best seven batters in 4.2 innings, limiting Charleston Southern to just four runs while the offense built its lead. Fordham’s performance not only preserved the early advantage but also demonstrated the depth of the Lancers’ pitching staff.
Looking Ahead
With the victory, Longwood secured a spot in the next round, where they will face Winthrop at Gardner‑Webb’s venue due to inclement weather that forced a schedule shift. The upcoming matchup promises another test of the Lancers’ resilience, as they aim to translate their offensive fireworks into another tournament win. The team’s recent surge, highlighted by a historic home‑run stretch and standout performances from Keels, Pulliam, Howard, and Fordham, positions them as a formidable contender as the Big South Tournament progresses.