CHARLESTON, S.C. – Gardner-Webb fell to Charleston Southern by a score of 18-2 on Friday afternoon.

Gardner-Webb fell to 17-17 overall and 6-5 in Big South play, while Charleston Southern improved to 17-17 overall and 6-8 in league action.

Charleston Southern would jump out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, as Brandon Gragilla would hit a double into deep right field, scoring Aaron Miller who reached on a single earlier in the frame.

GWU would respond in the top of the second inning, plating two runs to claim a 2-1 advantage.  The team would hit four consecutive singles to lead off the inning, with a RBI knock through the right side by Chandler Redmond scoring Collin Thacker, and a RBI hit to left field by Gage Parham scoring Danny Sullivan. 

The Buccaneers reclaimed the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run triple to the right field corner by Cole German. 

Charleston Southern would add one run in the fifth inning on a leadoff home run by Nate Blanchard, and would plate two runs in the sixth inning on a leadoff home run to left field by Chris Singleton and a RBI single by Jason Miller. 

CSU would put the game out of reach in the seventh inning, scoring five runs on six hits in the frame, including three doubles, and would score seven runs in the bottom of the eighth on five hits. 

Tyler Weekley (3-2) earned the win for the Buccaneers, tossing 5.2 innings in relief, allowing no runs and just three hits with four strikeouts.  Starter Kyle Dyson lasted 2.1 innings, allowing two runs on six hits. 

Charleston Southern had 24 base hits, with Blanchard (4-for-5, HR) and Singleton (4-for-5, HR, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 4-runs) leading the way. 

Bradley Hallman (3-3) took the loss for Gardner-Webb, hurling 5.0 innings, allowing five runs on eleven hits.

The Runnin' Bulldogs had ten base hits, with Danny Sullivan (3-for-4, run) leading that effort.

The two teams will wrap up the series tomorrow afternoon, with the first pitch set for 2:00 pm.