State scoreboard, Thursday, March 21

Freshman Alex Heintz has 61 strikeouts
in 41 innings this year. (Erskine photo)

Player of the day: Alex Heintz, Erskine, W, 8 IP, 2 H, R, BB, 12 K

Briefly: Dale Francis Jr. had three hits - including a homer - and drove in five runs and Alex Heintz struck out 12 in eight innings as Erskine took the opener of a Conference Carolinas doubleheader at Chowan. The Flying Fleet survived a late Hawks rally to complete the sweep ... An error and a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded gave Carolina University the margin of victory in Game 1 against Columbia International  and the host Bruins completed the sweep in a pitchers' duel.

Carolina University 6, Columbia International 4, Game 1 - Col: Jennings Greene HR, 2 RBI
Carolina University 2, Columbia International 1, Game 2 - Col: J. Stanley CG, 4 H, ER, 3 K

Erskine 11, Chowan 3, Game 1 - Ers: Tyler Smith 3-3, BB, SB, 3 R, RBI
Erskine 5, Chowan 1, Game 2 - Ben Maskin 1B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
(4/739)

Beyond the border

ACC: No. 16 Wake Forest scored the final eight runs to beat Louisville, 16-7, to open their series.

SEC: Top-ranked Arkansas took the opener of a series at No. 23 Auburn, 1-0; No. 7 Texas  A&M opened is series with No. 21 Mississippi State, 6-3.