COUGARS TAKE SERIES FROM WALTERS STATE
The weekend was a big one for Cleveland State, who picked up a 2-1 conference series win over Walters State.
The weekend was a big one for Cleveland State, who picked up a 2-1 conference series win over Walters State.
After winning the opening game of the series 9-4 on Friday, the Cougars (23-10, 8-7) split the Saturday doubleheader with the Senators (35-7, 12-3), winning 10-5 in game one and then losing 1-0 in game two.
"We pulled out the series win over Walters State," Cleveland State head coach Mike Policastro declared.
The coach credited pitcher Jake Rogers, who is now 6-0 on the season, and solid offense for the win in the first game.
"Jake Rogers was in control, tossing a complete game. Our offense was really good as well and we had multiple scoring innings. Devon Gardner and John Sharpe had two hits apiece," Policastro detailed.
Cleveland State took a 2-0 lead after the first inning, but then found itself trailing 3-2 after the top of the second. The Cougars scored three runs before the second inning was closed out to take a 5-3 lead.
The home team picked up another run in the fourth inning and saw Walters State score one in the top of the fifth. The Cougars responded by cranking out four more runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 10-4 lead.
The Senators scored their final run in the seventh inning.
Sharpe was 2-for-4 at the plate, which included a homerun, a double and one RBI. Gardner was also 2-for-4 in the first game, hitting a double and driving in two runners.
Sean McDermott went 3-for-4 at the plate and had a double and three RBIs, while Chase Fullington was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Brandon Mason drove in a runner as well and Jordan Ransom had a double in the game.
Things were much tighter in the second game, with the Senators managing to snag a 1-0 win
"Walters had a two-out hit to score the winning run. Corey Linz (3-2) threw a complete game in the loss, but their pitcher was a little better," Policastro stated.
The Cougars were held to just three hits in game two, which came from Cameron Payne, McDermott and Ransom. The Senators had four hits.
After going through six scoreless innings, Walters State scored the lone and game-winning run in the top of the seventh. Unfortunately, Cleveland State was unable to answer and lost their chance at the series sweep.
The Cougars travel to Dayton on Wednesday, where they will play Bryan College's JV squad in a doubleheader at 5 and 7 p.m.
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