GREENVILLE, S.C. – Wes Wrenn threw his second complete game of the season and Richard Jones and Chris McGuiness hit back-to-back home runs for the third time this season as The Citadel defeated Furman, 3-1, in front of 541 at Latham Stadium Thursday evening.
Highlighting the game was The Citadel head coach Fred Jordan became the first coach in the 88-year history of the Southern Conference to win 300 league games in his career.
Wrenn’s performance helped The Citadel (29-19, 15-10 SoCon) win the 213th meeting in the oldest rivalry in the Southern Conference. Furman (21-24, 9-16 SoCon) dropped its third straight meeting against the Bulldogs.
Jones and McGuiness gave Wrenn a two-run cushion to work with after hitting back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning, marking the third time this season the pair has hit back-to-back home runs.
Wrenn (8-2) struck out five while allowing one run on seven hits as he dominated from the mound. The nine-inning performance marks the seventh complete game of his career.
“Wes Wrenn pitched like he has done all year long” said head coach Fred Jordan. “He showed tremendous fight when he got in a jam in the third inning and he had another outstanding performance.”
Ian Parry (3-5) took the loss after allowing three runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out five.
Furman was led by Matt Hemingway’s 1-for-3 performance as he drove in the Paladins’ lone run of the game.
Furman took the early lead after Matt Hemingway laced an RBI single to right field, scoring Connor Lind who had led the inning off with a walk.
The Citadel tied the game in the top of the fourth as Bryan Altman led off with a double to the left field corner. Sonny Meade sent him to third on a single through the left side and Meade finally scored as Richard Jones drove him in one batter later.
Jones came to bat again in the sixth inning and drove a 1-1 pitch over the left center field wall to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead. Chris McGuiness followed with a solo home run over the left field wall, marking the third time this season the duo has recorded back-to-back home runs.
The Bulldogs and the Paladins will meet again on Friday, May 8 at Furman’s Latham Stadium in Greenville for the second game of the three-game Southern Conference series. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. and live action can be heard on SportsRadio 1450AM in Charleston or on Bulldog Insider at CitadelSports.com.
For complete coverage of Bulldog Baseball, please visit the official home of The Citadel Athletics at CitadelSports.com.
