The No. 11-ranked Belhaven University baseball team continued its undefeated start to the 2026 season Friday, sweeping a doubleheader from Hanover at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Mississippi.
The Blazers exploded offensively in the opener, winning 18-6. They added an 8-3 victory in the second game, moving their record to 11-0. Belhaven’s lineup scored 29 runs and collected 32 hits across the two games. The pitching staff also delivered several key performances to prevent late rallies from Hanover, according to team sources.
In the first game, Hanover took an early lead with a two-run homer from Alex Yuskewich in the third inning. The Panthers added a run in the fourth to go up 4-0. Belhaven responded in the bottom of the inning, with Owen Abney hitting a two-run homer. The Blazers tied the game at 4-4 in the fourth and briefly took the lead in the fifth. Hanover briefly regained the lead in the fifth, but Belhaven surged ahead with a nine-run sixth inning, highlighted by multiple hits and RBIs from Nick Thornton, Austin Canale, and others.
Canale led the offense with four hits and five RBIs, while Thornton reached base five times, scored four runs, and contributed offensively. Abney added a home run and three RBIs. On the mound, Cole Burton earned the win after four innings, and the bullpen shut down Hanover in the final innings.
The second game saw Belhaven score early and maintain its lead. Blake McCarthy scored on a wild pitch in the first inning, and the Blazers added three runs in the second. Owen Abney, McCann, and Canale contributed key hits as Belhaven built a 4-0 lead. Hanover scored once in the fourth and once in the eighth, but the Blazers responded each time, with Canale and McCarthy providing offensive production. Sophomore Gunner Staten earned the win, allowing just one hit over five innings. The bullpen finished the game, with Will Robinson inducing a key double play in the eighth inning.
Belhaven aims to complete the series sweep against Hanover Saturday at 11 a.m. at Trustmark Park. For more updates, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like their Facebook page. Fans can support Belhaven Athletics through Team Green Giving.
