The Laurens Academy Crusaders scored 12 runs in the fourth inning to knock off the Clarendon Hall Saints 17-0 in the opening game of a best-of-three SCISA Class A state semifinal on Tuesday in Laurens.

Leading 5-0 going into the bottom of the fourth inning, the Crusaders opened the flood gates to plate 12 runs on nine hits. Sixteen players went to the plate in the inning that also featured three walks and a hit batter.

To get the game started, the Crusaders jumped out early with two runs in the bottom of the second inning. Taylor Sims walked followed by a fielder’s choice by Griffin Shell to put two men on base. Christian Greene then belted a single, scoring Sims and Shell to take a 2-0 lead.  

Laurens Academy added three runs in the third inning to take the 5-0 lead. Brandon Martin led off the inning with a laser beam homerun to right center field. Sams Giddens doubled, Alex Satterfield was hit by a pitch and both later scored on a triple by Sims.

Offensively, the Crusaders were led by Giddens, who was 3-4 with two doubles, two RBI and three runs scored.  Brandon Martin, Alex Satterfield, and Christian Greene were all 2-3.  Martin had a solo HR in the 3rd and had three runs scored. 

Satterfield added a double and three RBI.  Greene had four RBI and a run scored, followed by JE Satterfield with a single and three RBI. Sims had a triple, two RBI and two runs scored.  Ryland Culbertson added an RBI single.

Culbertson went the distance on the mound to improve his record to 6-2 on the season. The senior hurler pitched five shutout innings pitching 5 innings, allowing two hits, one walk and striking out nine.

Tuesday's game was also Senior Night for the Laurens Academy players. Recognized before the were Culbertson, Giddens and Shell.

The Crusaders will travel to Summerton for game two of the series on Wednesday.

Click here to see photos of the game