Staff report

SALISBURY — Catawba swept Lincoln Memorial in a South Atlantic Conference on Easter weekend, but head coach Jim Gantt wasn’t thrilled with how the Indians played in three wins that were more exciting than they should have been.

It was smoother sailing at Newman Park on Wednesday as the 21st-ranked Indians battered USC Aiken 11-2 in a non-conference matchup.

Levi Perrell and Sam Hunter had huge games for the Indians, who are 26-9 overall and 18-1 in their home park.

Perrell’s 4-for-4 day included a homer, double and five RBIs. Hunter was 3-for-4 with a triple, homer and three RBIs.

They’ve been good all season, and struggling USC Aiken (9-26) had no answers for them.

Perrell, the shortstop, is batting .371. Hunter, the center fielder who transferred from Queens, is batting .393.

Bo Rusher added three hits. Dylan Driver had two hits, including a triple.

Cole Hales started on the mound and got the Indians through the first four innings. He allowed two solo homers.

After that, Austin Fine, Casey Gouge, Payne Stolsworth and Carson Edmiston got some work in and all shut the door in short stints.

Gouge, who stopped the visitors in the sixth and seventh, was awarded the win. He’s 3-2.

Catawba is a good bet to keep it rolling this weekend at Newman Park against Mars Hill. The Indians are scheduled to take on the Lions at 6 p.m. on Friday and in a Saturday afternoon doubleheader that will start at 1 p.m.