Staff report

SALISBURY — No homers left Newman Park, but the Catawba Indians sent eight doubles whistling down the lines and into the gaps on the opening day of a new baseball season.

The Indians scored five runs in the seventh and won 10-3 over Shippensburg on Friday.

Somehow former Carson and Rowan Legion standout Dylan Driver wasn’t on the preseason All-South Atlantic Conference squad, but they may call for a re-vote. The exciting right fielder went 4-for-5 and scored three runs.

Another former Carson Cougar finally made his long-awaited debut in Catawba blue, and Cole Hales didn’t disappoint with the bat. He had three hits, including two doubles, and scored three runs. His two-out, two-run single in the third inning was one of the biggest hits.

Cooper Bryson probably will get called Bryson Cooper by mistake a few times this year, but his debut was excellent. He’s a transfer that coach Jim Gantt is very high on, and the new second baseman whacked two doubles.

On the mound, it was smooth sailing. The Indians got a quality start and six innings from transfer Austin Fine and some sharp relief from returner Mason Gwyn, who earned a save with three innings of great work.

The teams return to Newman Park on Saturday, with first pitch set for 2 p.m.

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SALISBURY — Catawba pounded out a 19-10 win on Saturday afternoon at Newman Park prior to the First Pitch Dinner.

Driver had another huge game, going 3-for-4 with five runs scored and five RBIs.

Hales went 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Logan Rogers, a junior college transfer who starred at Carson in his high school days, had two doubles and three RBIs.

Cameron Mills, who has moved to first base from the outfield, had two hits and three RBIs.

Jackson Price, the new catcher, had two RBIs.

Catawba led 10-1 after five innings.

Starting pitcher Brandon Rodgers got the win. Casey Gouge, former West Rowan star, didn’t qualify for a save, but got the last seven outs with a strong outing.

The teams will play again today at Newman Park.