CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Southern opened the year with an 8-5 season opening win over Delaware State. This marked the first time since 2018 that the squad has won their season opener and the first time that they have opened the year at CSU since 2019.
 
"We had terrific energy today and this was one of the best crowds we've had here in a long time," said Head Coach Marc MacMillan following the win. Nielsen Field @ CSU Ballpark was packed out with people at every corner of the stadium to take in the Buccaneer victory.
 
Delaware State was the first team to score during the game, tallying a run in both the second and third. CSU was able to respond in the bottom of the third with a two RBI single by Peter Werth with the bases loaded. Christian Bauman got the bases loaded back up after drawing a walk that allowing Dakota Miller to score Aidan McAskie. This gave the team their first lead with them up 3-2.
 
The Buccaneer lead was short lived as the visitors scored one in the fourth and fifth innings that followed. Evan Truitt was turned to in the fourth and after a slow start, began to deal, retiring 11 consecutive batters that gave the Charleston Southern offense time to get ahead.
 
In the bottom of the sixth, the Buccaneers drew even when Dakota Miller sent a solo homer off the scoreboard in left field to put it at four all. The Hornets were unable to get a runner on in each of the following innings and they turned to their bullpen for the second time of the night heading into the bottom of the eighth.
 
The batters for CSU showed incredible discipline at the plate as Peter Werth led off with a walk. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and was brought home on the following pitch when Christian Bauman sent double over the right fielder's head that brought Werth home and gave CSU the lead for good. The Bucs were able to draw five more walks and bring three more runners' home and put their advantage up to 8-4 heading into the top of the ninth.
 
The Hornets were able to bring a few runners on in the final inning, but Dylan Matsuoka was brought on to close the door on them and seal the win as he forced their batter into a groundout to Alex Diaz.
 
The Buccaneers turned to senior left-handed pitcher Massey on the mound for the opener. He threw 3.1 innings allowing a pair of earned runs in the contest and struck out five. Truitt had 5.1 innings of work, allowing a pair as well over his appearance in the win. Matsuoka received a save in the win.
 
Werth went 2-4 at the plate and had two RBIs, to lead the team in both categories. Bauman and Miller each had a hit as well and recorded an RBI. The Bucs were walked 10 times in the matchup with nine different players being issued the free pass.
 
Charleston Southern returns to action tomorrow afternoon for game two of the series. The first pitch for the game is slated for 1:30 p.m. inside Nielson Field @ CSU Ballpark.