Gaston College offense bangs out 18 hits in 16-4 road victory

Gaston College banged out 18 hits, including a season-high five by Miller St. John, as the Rhinos won 16-4 at USC Lancaster on Saturday afternon. The game was shortened to eight innings by the 10-run mercy rule.

The Rhinos (22-1) host USC Lancaster on Sunday at 2 p.m. in their first regular season game at Gastonia's Sims Legion Park after the facility has undergone recent renovations.

"We knew we were going to have to score some runs today - and we did that," said Gaston College coach Shohn Doty, whose team scored five runs in the third and sixth innings and six runs in the eighth. "It's a big win for us against a Division I opponent."

St. John led the hit parade and also had three RBIs. Other offensive standouts were Konni Durschlag (three hits, two RBIs, double), Ahmir Cournier (three hits, four RBIs), Chandler Riley (two hits, three RBIs, home run), Wade Kelly (two hits) and J.D. Yakubinis (two-run home run).

'I'm really proud of Miller," Doty said. "That was a big offensive game for us."

Gus Hughes started and went five innings for the win to improve to 3-0 on the season. Relievers Hunter Shew and Christian Baker followed Hughes with three innings of a scoreless pitching.

"For us, it's about continuing the momentum," said Doty, whose team is ranked in the top eight of all three junior college NCAA Division II polls. "We have an opportunity to pad our resume again tomorrow."

The Rhinos host USC Lancaster at 2 p.m. on Sunday at 72-year-old Sims Legion Park that will be the program's home facility.

"Our kids are excited," Doty said. "We've practiced there and look forward to playing the first game there since the renovations."