FLORENCE, S.C. – League-leading Francis Marion utilized three hits and a trio of ill-timed errors to plate five runs in the third inning as the fifth-ranked Patriots completed a weekend sweep of visiting UNCP with an 8-1 victory over the seventh-ranked Braves in Monday's series finale at Cormell Field.

The setback sent UNCP (33-10, 13-10 PBC) reeling to its third-straight loss – the first time the Braves have dropped three consecutive outings since late March of last season. The result marked the seventh-straight win for Francis Marion (33-10, 16-5) who has now captured victories in 17 of its last 19 outings. The Patriots need just one win in next weekend's series at Georgia Southwestern to clinch the 2011 Peach Belt Conference regular season title.

Newcomer Brad Bridgeman booked his third home run of the season on a 1-for-3 performance for the Braves who were only able to muster four hits on the afternoon, including singles by Aaron Parnell, Eitan Maoz and Keith Whitman. The Patriots got 2-for-4 outings from both Martin Gordon and Tyler Cappelmann, while Preston Shuey and Buddy Sosnoskie both crossed the plate twice in the contest.

Brian Willis (5-3) struck out seven in 4-1/3 innings from the hill, but saw his personal five-game winning streak snapped after allowing seven runs (two earned) on six hits and a pair of walks. Jeffrey Stoner (6-0) turned in his first complete game outing of the season for the hosts, scattering four hits and allowing just one earned run in keeping his perfect record on the campaign intact. He also struck out six.

A pitcher's duel through the first two innings, Francis Marion used three errors and scored five unearned runs with two outs on the board in the third to break an otherwise close game wide open. Bridgeman gave the Braves their first run of the series on a solo blast to left field in the top of the fifth, but the Patriots countered with three more scores in the bottom of the frame to provide the final.

UNCP will be back in action again on April 25 when the Braves suit up to host region rival St. Andrews (8-32) in a 6:30 p.m. contest at Sammy Cox Field. Admission prices are $5 for adults and $2 for children 18 years of age and younger. UNCP students are admitted free with a valid Braves Card.