COUGARS TAKE OPENER OVER MOTLOW 11-4

The Cougars blew open a close game when they pushed across eight runs in the bottom of the seventh to take the opener of their conference weekend series with the Bucks of Motlow State by an 11-4 final.

Cleveland watched Motlow take the lead on an unearned run in the top of the first, but took the lead for good in the bottom of the second inning.  Dalton Rogers and Cory Collum would both score thanks to wild pitches from the Motlow pitcher.  The Cougars would add another run in the bottom of the sixth when pinch runner Trey Potts would cross home on a Collum double down the left field line.

The Cougars would load the bases in the seventh inning with one out.  After Mike Hargrove was hit by a pitch, Cody Hiefnar and Collum would line singles to plate two more runs.  DeAndre Allen came  a few feet away from a grand slam, but had to settle for a bases clearing triple.  He would then score on a groundout to finish the scoring.

Chase Edwards would collect four hits in the game to lead the squad.  Collum, Allen, and Evan Speicher would each finish with two hits in the game; Collum driving in two runs and Allen driving in three. 

Brandon Zajac picked up the victory on the mound.  He pitched seven innings, surrendering two hits, walking five, and striking out seven batters.  Derek Chandler pitched the final two innings; giving up two runs on one hit and four walks.