SPARTANBURG, S.C. –The Wofford baseball team (12-6) dominated with an early lead in the series opener against Princeton on Friday night to take a 12-1 seven inning win at Russell C. King Field. The Terriers saw strong offensive efforts at the plate and solid outings from the freshman class.

"We put a lot of work in before and during practice and that just gives us the confidence we need out there during the game," Cade Collins said. "We don't even think twice about the plays that we're making, but we just go for it." 

Kenny Michaels (5-0) started and gave up six hits and one run while striking out five batters in five innings. Hiram Lewis threw two innings in relief and struck out four batters without allowing a hit. Cade Collins led the Terriers with three runs on three hits with two RBI. Niko Brini followed with three runs and two hits. Ben Timblin added one run, one hit and three RBI.

Wofford took the early lead in the first, scoring two runs off a single from Andrew Mannelly. The Tigers would strike back with a solo home run to left field to bring the score 2-1. The Terriers would return to the top of the batting order in the third and Cade Collins led off with a single followed by a double by Niko Brini. Designated hitter Logan Tribble had an RBI single to left field to give the Terriers a 3-1 edge. Ben Timblin quickly followed with a ground out to the shortstop that brought Brini home to make the score 4-1.

Michaels continued to hold strong at the mound, striking out two batters and forcing a ground out to short stop Brady Gold to end the fourth. With one out in the top of the fourth, Zach Porter would record his first double of the season. Cade Collins would hit a two-RBI single to further the Terriers' lead 6-1 to end the fourth.

After both teams were scoreless in the fifth inning, the Tigers left one on bast in the top of the sixth. With one out in the bottom of the sixth, Tanner Hardin was hit by pitch. With two outs, three straight walks and a hit by pitch by Princeton's bullpen brought in two runs for the Terriers. Ben Timblin singled to center field, the only hit of the inning, bringing in two more runs for a 10-1 lead. Another walk would load the bases again. Hunter Herndon and Alex Myers would both be hit by pitches, allowing two more runs and a 12-1 ball game. Hiram Lewis would close out the run-rule win for the Terriers with three strikeouts and one runner left on base.

Quick Hits:

•  Starting Lineup: Cade Collins (3B), Niko Brini (CF), Logan Tribble (DH), Ben Timblin (LF), Andrew Mannelly (RF), Hunter Herndon (1B), Tanner Hardin (2B), Zach Porter (C), Brady Gold (SS), and Kenny Michaels (SP).
•  JT Smith made his first collegiate appearance in tonight's game.
• Kenny Michaels, with his fifth victory in the season, makes him one of 21 pitchers in the nation to hold five victories.
• Michaels is the conference leader in strikeouts with 35.
• Kenny Michaels and Hiram Lewis combined for nine strikeouts in tonight's win.
• With Cade Collins going for three runs and three hits in three at bats gives him a 17-straight reached base streak.

The Terriers will be back on Saturday to continue the series with Princeton in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m., with the second game starting at 4 p.m.