SMC Sees Season End in 9-6 Loss to Fisher

Lawrenceville, Ga. – The Spartanburg Methodist College baseball team wrapped up its inaugural NAIA season on Sunday afternoon, falling to Fisher College, 9-6, in the final game of the 2025 campaign.

The Falcons (27-24) broke open a 4-4 tie with a five-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning, powered by five hits, including a decisive three-RBI double off the bat of Jatnier Torres. The late surge proved too much for the Pioneers to overcome.

Spartanburg Methodist (20-29) tallied 10 hits on the day, with Dario Astudillo pacing the offense with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate. Matt Smith drove in three of SMC's four early runs, as the Pioneers briefly held a 4-2 lead after a three-run second inning.

The Falcons responded quickly, tying the game in the bottom half of the second. After both teams traded early blows with runs in each of the first two innings, the game settled into a pitching duel through five consecutive scoreless frames.

SMC mounted a late threat in the ninth, scoring two runs on three hits to close the gap. With runners on second and third and one out, Fisher recorded back-to-back strikeouts to slam the door and seal the win.

Starter Blake Exizian turned in a solid effort for the Pioneers, going seven innings with seven strikeouts in a no-decision. Fisher's Maylo Sierra went the distance for 8.1 innings, fanning 11 en route to his 10th win of the season (10-6). Jan Melendez recorded the final two outs to pick up the save.

The loss marks the end of a historic season for Spartanburg Methodist College, as the program completed its first year competing in the NAIA.