Staff report

MOUNT OLIVE — Tony Salvaggio had three hits and drove in three runs as nationally 10th-ranked Mount Olive topped Catawba, 6-2, here Tuesday afternoon.

Salvaggio connected for a two-run single in the bottom of the first inning as the Trojans (34-7) jumped out to a 3-0 lead against Catawba starter Michael Elwell (0-2).

Mount Olive extended its lead to 4-0 in the third inning on another hit from Salvaggio.

Catawba (27-12) got on the scoreboard and chased Trojans’ starter Trey Pate (4-0) in the top of the sixth inning. Bryce Fowler lined out to right field for a sac fly, scoring Chance Bowden. Luke Setzer then walked with the bases loaded to cut the deficit to 4-2.

The Trojans added two insurance runs in the seventh, on a double from Drew Ellis and a run-scoring single off the bat of Jose Lopez.

Bowden and Fowler led the Indians with two hits. Setzer went 1-for-3 and walked twice.

Elwell yielded four runs in four innings pitched, but three were unearned. He walked three and struck out three batters.

Clay Young, Hunter Shepherd, Cody Fitch, Heath Mitchem and Russ Weiker all saw action on the mound for Catawba.

Catawba                   000  002  000 — 2    7    1

Mount Olive            301   000  20x —  6    8    1

WP — Pate (4-0). LP — Elwell (0-2).