Cougars Fall in Season Opener
Cleveland State Baseball travelled to Wallace State in Hanceville, AL today to open up their 2022 spring season. The Cougars didn't receive the outcome that they expected falling to the Lions 6 to 5.
Wallace State started the game with a homer in the bottom of the first putting the Cougars down 1-0 early in the game.
With a few key hits and an error by the Lions 3rd base man the cougars tied the game 1-1 in the top of the second. Wallace State answered quickly with a double scoring J. Carerro giving the Lions back the lead 2-1.
Top of the 3rd Rhett Hammontree reached first on an error by the second baseman, Allowing Jacob Robinson to advance to third allowing Bryce Burkey to score. Cougars tie it back up 2-2.
In the 4th, the Cougars went three up there down with two strike outs and a ground out to the short stop. Bottom, of the 4th, Wallace States D. Stewart Singled, J. Carerro Doubled advancing Stewart to third. Stewart Eventually Scoring. Score 3-2
The Cougars went three up three down again in the top of the 5th. Wallace States P. Walker and M. Walker Leading off the Lions with back to back walks, M. Walker advances on a wild pitch with Benitez singling scoring M and P. Walker. Wallace State up 5-2
In the 6th Ryan Stephens advanced to first on error from the Short Stop. But, Cleveland State couldn't gather enough hits and left Stephens on base. Wallace State answered back with a single, stolen base, and double allowing a run. The Lions Up 6-2
Top of the 7th, The Cougars rallied with Jaylen Jones singling, a walk by Bryson Lofton, and a single by Brandon Lejune that advanced the runner, allowing Jones to score. Bryce Burkey singled advancing Lofton. The Cougars held the Lions in the bottom of the second score now 6-4 Wallace.
Top of the 8th the Cougars kept the rally going with a double by Rhett Hammontree and a double by Ryan Stephens advancing Hammontree home. The Cougars held Wallace State again in the bottom of the 8th. Score now 5-6
Top of the 9th the cougars couldn't keep the rally going. Wallace State taking the game 6-5
Cleveland State is now 0-1 in TCCAA play and will be back in action Saturday, February 12 as Vincennes University out of Indiana comes to Cougar Field. The Trailblazers are coming off a cancelled series with Motlow State making this their first games of the 2022 season.
