Catawba baseball beats Mars Hill in SAC series opener

Matthew Connolly hits third homer of season in 9-2 victory

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Catawba College baseball team defeated Mars Hill 9-2 in the opening game of their South Atlantic Conference series on Friday. Matthew Connolly hit his third home run of the season, a two-run shot that broke a 2-2 tie in the third inning. Parker Stybrorski's two-run single in the second inning tied the game after Mars Hill had taken an early 2-0 lead. Catawba pitcher Colt Wilkins went seven strong innings with nine strikeouts to earn the win.

Why it matters

The win keeps Catawba undefeated in conference play at 4-0 as they look to defend their South Atlantic Conference title. The Indians have gotten off to a strong 9-1 start overall this season.

The details

Catawba trailed 2-0 after the first inning but tied the game in the second on Stybrorski's two-run single. Connolly then broke the tie with his two-run homer in the third. The Indians added four more runs in the fourth inning, including a two-run single by Nathan Chrismon. Brandon Crabtree had three hits for Catawba, while Cam Burleyson doubled and Ty Hubbard drove in a run.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • A Saturday doubleheader is scheduled at Newman Park, starting at 1 p.m.

The players

Matthew Connolly

A West Rowan High School graduate who hit his third home run of the season for Catawba.

Parker Stybrorski

Drove in two runs with a single to tie the game in the second inning.

Colt Wilkins

Catawba's starting pitcher who went seven strong innings with nine strikeouts to earn the win.

Jim Gantt

The head coach of the Catawba College baseball team.

Brandon Crabtree

Had three hits for Catawba in the victory.

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What they’re saying

“Matthew Connolly (West Rowan) swatted his third homer of the season as Catawba beat Mars Hill 9-2 in South Atlantic Conference baseball action on Friday.”

— Staff report (salisburypost.com)

What’s next

A Saturday doubleheader is scheduled at Newman Park, starting at 1 p.m.

The takeaway

Catawba's strong start to the season continued with a conference win over Mars Hill, keeping them undefeated in South Atlantic Conference play as they look to defend their title.