SPARTANGBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate scored five runs in the sixth inning to break open a one-run game and pull away from Charleston Southern on Wednesday night, 8-2. 

The win moves Upstate to 8-11 overall, while CSU falls to 10-9. 

Upstate took advantage of a tired Buccaneer pitching staff – playing its fifth game in as many days – with eight walks and three hit batters. Erik Samples' two-run double in the sixth was the big blow for the Spartans. 

CSU hung tough early, grabbing a 1-0 lead in the top of the first as Brandon Burris led off the game with a single and scored on a sacrifice fly from Cole Murphy. The Bucs tied the game in the third as Jack Crittenberger singled and scored on a wild pitch. 

Starter Alex Ministeri (L, 0-2) worked four innings, striking out five, but walking four. 

Zach Mitchell (W, 1-1) worked five innings to get the win for Upstate. He struck out seven. 

Crittenberger, Sam Knight, and Andrew Widell all had two hits for the Bucs.

CSU is off on Thursday before traveling to Longwood for a Big South Conference series. Friday's opener is at 6 p.m. 

-CSU-