CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Southern used to big early innings and another burst late to beat Gardner-Webb 17-6 Sunday afternoon in the rubber match of a Big South series.

Gardner-Webb led 5-1 after the top of the second, but the Buccaneers plated five runs in the bottom of that frame to take the lead for good. Charleston Southern pushed across four more runs in the third to take control and put the game away with six runs in its final two at bats.

Early on, the Runnin' Bulldogs appeared ready for another offensive explosion after scoring 16 runs on Saturday.

Jacob Marcos led off the first with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch and stole third base to get the wheels turning. AJ Jones followed with a single up the middle for a 1-0 lead.

The 'Dogs struck with two outs in the second inning. Trevor Mattson reached on an error, Marcos coaxed a walk and Jones reached on another error to load the bases. Alec Burns stepped in and belted an outside pitch to right field for a grand slam and Gardner-Webb held an early 5-1 lead.

Charleston Southern took over from there, rapping out just two hits to score its five runs in the bottom of the second. Two errors and two free passes helped fuel the rally. The Buccaneers got the offense in gear again in the third, scoring four runs on four hits and an error to go up 9-5.

Gardner-Webb got one run back in the fourth when Jones stroked a solo home run to right, but could not get any close. Charleston Southern added two runs in the seventh and four in the bottom of the eighth for the final margin.

Casey Young took the loss in relief, working 1.0 inning and allowing six earned on five hits with three walks. GWU used five pitchers in the game.

Marcos (2-for-4) and Jones (2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI) each had two of Gardner-Webb's seven hits. Burns (1-for-4, HR, 4 RBI), Curtis Robison (1-for-3) and Alex Ray (1-for-4) also had base knocks.

Charleston Southern had 14 hits in the game and saw four different batters collect at least two of those safeties. Leadoff man Carter went 4-for-5 with five runs scored at the top of the order.

Gardner-Webb will be back in action on Wednesday at home, hosting Wake Forest at 6:00 pm. The game will stream live on ESPN+, with Phil Constantino and Sam Hyman.