MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive used strong pitching and steady offense to secure a 10-2 win over Coker on Tuesday afternoon.
Mount Olive's offense ignited immediately in the first inning. With team leader Lane McLean (.500 on-base percentage) reaching to open the frame, the Trojans quickly loaded the bases and capitalized. After being hit by a pitch, Jakhari Howard (.400 AVG) drove in the game's first run. An RBI fielder's choice from Malachi Gales (team-high .676 slugging percentage) followed to make it 2-0.
A third-inning rally by Coker trimmed the deficit to 2-1, but Mount Olive kept the pressure on through the middle innings. In the fourth, Mac James doubled home a run before McLean's single extended the lead to 4-1. Staying productive, James—who entered with 19 RBIs—delivered another RBI single in the fifth to make it 5-1.
A four-run surge in the sixth inning broke the game open for the Trojans and showcased both patience and aggressiveness. Back-to-back singles by McLean and Ryder Hancock sparked the rally, while Josh Mason worked a walk to load the bases. Rowan Watt brought in a run with a groundout. Howard followed with an RBI single. Two more runs scored on heads-up baserunning and Coker miscues, stretching the lead to 9-1. The Trojans tacked on their final run in the seventh, with Watt driving in Mason—who reached via a hit-by-pitch and swiped second—on an RBI single.
Delivering one of his most complete outings of the season, John Nelson McLamb entered the day with a 9.08 ERA but excelled on the mound. The right-hander efficiently worked through eight innings, striking out seven while allowing just two runs on five hits. Only in the third inning did he face real trouble, yet he stranded the bases loaded and limited the damage to a single run, preserving an early lead. Kole Hopkins backed up McLamb's performance with a shutdown ninth inning. Despite a baserunner, Hopkins secured the win and closed out the Trojans' 10-2 victory.
The Trojans return this weekend to battle at number 13-ranked Francis Marion. The first game of the series is slated for Friday at 6:00 PM.