State scoreboard, Friday, Jan. 27

Jack Hedges didn't allow an earned run in three
 innings. (USC Salkehatchie photo)

Walters State hit four home runs and its pitchers struck out 17 in defeating USC Salkehatchie, 22-1, in Allen in the first game of the 2023 college baseball season involving a South Carolina team. 

Walters State, ranked as high as second nationally in junior college preseason polls, defeated the Indians for the 21st straight. Salkehatchie has opened its season against the Senators for 10 consecutive seasons.

USCS starter Jack Hedges started the game by striking out the the side in the first, and his teammates pushed across an unearned run in the bottom of the second.

But Walters State had five-run innings in the third, fourth and sixth innings to take control. Hedges finished with seven strikeouts in three innings the five runs scored against him were unearned.

Rashard Brown had two singles and a walk for Salkehatchie, which completes its weekend with a noon doubleheader against the Senators at noon on Saturday.

Walters State 22, USC Salkehatchie 1 - Sal: Jack Hedges 3 IP, 7 K, 0 ER

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