Staff report

SALISBURY — Bo Rusher and Dylan Driver launched homers as Catawba continued to charge upward in the South Atlantic Conference standings on Saturday at Newman Park.

Rusher’s fifth blast and Driver’s third helped the Indians beat Limestone 8-4. It was a tough game. Catawba led 5-4 before a three-run seventh provided some breathing room.

Catawba has won five in a row and is 11-1 at Newman Park.

Driver also tripled for the Indians (17-6, 7-3).

Sam Hunter and Logan Rogers had doubles. Besides the five extra-base hits, Catawba collected eight singles.

Levi Perrell drove in two. Drew Robertson, Ty Hubbard and Cole Hales had two hits each.

Austin Fine (5-1) got another win on the mound.

Hayden Simmerson dominated in relief, striking out the side in the eighth and ninth. A two-inning stint with a four-run lead didn’t qualify him for a save, but it was terrific outing.

A Saturday doubleheader with Limestone (16-10, 8-5)  is scheduled for 1 p.m.