Catawba Sweeps Doubleheader in College Baseball

Strong pitching performances lead Indians to two wins over Tusculum

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Catawba's baseball team swept a doubleheader against Tusculum on Saturday at Newman Park in Salisbury, North Carolina. Kemper Nix and Casey Gouge (West Rowan) turned in solid starting pitching efforts to lead the Indians to a 6-3 win in the opener and a 7-0 victory in the nightcap.

Why it matters

The doubleheader sweep improves Catawba's record to 7-1 overall and 3-0 in South Atlantic Conference play, demonstrating the team's strong start to the 2026 season. The performances by Nix, Gouge, and other key contributors highlight the depth and talent on the Catawba roster.

The details

In the first game, Nix pitched five innings for the win, while Seth Sharpe and Calvin Douglas finished the game. Brandon Crabtree led the Indians' offense with three hits, and Matthew Connolly (West Rowan) drove in three runs. In the second game, Gouge threw five scoreless innings, and Zach Gaydos and Joe Burleson (East Rowan) closed it out. Logan Dyer (East Rowan) drove in two runs early, and Sam Hunter had a bases-clearing double.

  • The doubleheader took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Catawba plays at Belmont Abbey on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Kemper Nix

Catawba pitcher who earned the win in the first game of the doubleheader.

Casey Gouge

Catawba pitcher from West Rowan who threw five scoreless innings in the second game.

Brandon Crabtree

Catawba's new first baseman who led the team with three hits in the first game.

Matthew Connolly

Catawba player from West Rowan who drove in three runs in the first game.

Logan Dyer

Catawba player from East Rowan who drove in two runs early in the second game.

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What’s next

Catawba will look to continue their strong start to the season when they play at Belmont Abbey on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Catawba's baseball team demonstrated their depth and talent with a dominant doubleheader sweep over Tusculum, led by strong pitching performances and timely hitting. The Indians' 7-1 overall record and 3-0 conference start bode well for their chances of success in the 2026 season.