No. 14 Coastal Carolina defeated The Citadel, 3-2, after a late-inning comeback in Charleston, S.C., on March 31.
The win is significant as it extends Coastal Carolina’s winning streak to eight games and improves their overall record to 21-7 this season.
Jaxon Appelman started for the Chanticleers and delivered a career performance by pitching six hitless innings, allowing only one earned run and striking out eight batters. Both teams struggled offensively early in the game, with no hits recorded through the first five innings. In the sixth inning, Rex Watson tied the game for Coastal Carolina with his ninth home run of the season. Watson finished with two of the team’s four hits.
The Citadel regained the lead in the seventh inning following a fielding error by Coastal Carolina that allowed Christian Stratis to drive in a run. However, Coastal responded in the ninth inning when Cruz Harlan scored on a wild pitch to tie it at 2-2. Dean Mihos then drove in Colby Thorndyke for what proved to be the winning run after Thorndyke reached base on an error and stole second base.
Colby Richardson secured the win as a relief pitcher while Scott Doran earned a save by closing out the final three outs. Overall, Coastal held The Citadel to just two hits during the game.
Looking ahead, Coastal Carolina will return to Sun Belt Conference play on Thursday with a three-game home series against South Alabama.