TIGERVILLE, S.C. — King University baseball opened Conference Carolinas play on Friday afternoon but ran into one of the nation's top programs, falling 11–0 to No. 5 North Greenville at Ray & Bea Dillard Field. Despite producing eight hits and putting runners aboard in seven different innings, the Tornado were unable to break through against a deep Crusader pitching staff. King moves to 2–5 (0–1 CC), while North Greenville remains unbeaten at 9–0 (1–0 CC).
How It Happened
Crusaders Strike Early Behind Foulks' Power
North Greenville wasted no time setting the tone. In the first inning, J. Foulks launched a solo home run to center to give the Crusaders a 1–0 lead. The junior slugger continued his dominant day in the third, driving in another run with a single before scoring on a sacrifice fly. A two-run single from S. Hegler capped the inning, extending the lead to 4–0.
Foulks wasn't done — he added a second home run in the fourth, pushing the advantage to 5–0.
Tornado Create Traffic but Can't Cash In
While the scoreboard didn't reflect it, King consistently put pressure on the Crusaders. The Tornado recorded eight hits, including doubles from Jose Ruiz, Tommy Regan, and Kenny Hirschfeld, and had runners aboard in seven of nine innings.
However, North Greenville pitchers stranded 10 King baserunners and used timely strikeouts to escape each threat.
North Greenville Pulls Away in the Middle Innings
The Crusaders added two more in the fifth on a two-run single from M. Swinney, then broke the game open with a four-run seventh inning featuring:
- A two-run double from L. Peavy
- An RBI infield single from Foulks
- A run-scoring single from C. Noble
The surge pushed the lead to 11–0, where it remained the rest of the way.
Pitching Notes
King used four pitchers in the conference opener:
Despite the final score, the Tornado staff combined for 13 strikeouts, matching North Greenville's total.
Tornado Standouts
King finished with eight hits and played error-free defense for the second straight game.
A Tough Road Test Against a National Power
Despite the loss, King showed:
- Consistent baserunners against the No. 5 team in the country
- Strong defensive execution with zero errors
- Competitive at-bats throughout the lineup
- A pitching staff capable of generating strikeouts against elite hitters
The Tornado now look to regroup as conference play continues.
What's Next
King and No. 5 North Greenville meet again on Saturday, Feb. 14 for a doubleheader in Tigerville. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET.
