LEONARD LEADS COUGARS PAST MOTLOW STATE, 12–2
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
|
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2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 14 | 1 |
CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Cleveland State Community College put together a complete performance on Tuesday afternoon, rolling past Motlow State Community College, 12–2, at Cougar Field behind a big day from Evan Leonard and a balanced offensive attack throughout the lineup.
Leonard delivered one of the standout performances of the season, contributing on both sides of the ball. The sophomore went 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs and four RBIs, while also earning the win on the mound after tossing two innings, allowing just one run on two hits.
Cleveland State jumped out early, scoring two runs in the first inning before continuing to apply pressure throughout the game. Jon Jon Read set the tone at the top of the lineup, scoring three runs, driving in two, drawing two walks, and adding a double. Nolan Sergeant provided a key swing with a three-run home run, finishing with three RBIs, two stolen bases, and a sacrifice fly.
The Cougars showed their depth throughout the order. Kwade Carver collected three hits, Hunter McDonald reached base four times with two hits and two walks, and Hank Adams went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. Nelson McKnight added a hit and two walks, while Riley Mahan and Nate Severance each scored runs.
On the mound, Cleveland State pieced together a strong effort. After Leonard's start, Evan Sanders tossed a scoreless inning, JC Armour worked two solid frames allowing only one unearned run, Anthony Biondo struck out two in his inning of work, and Hudson Speares closed the game with a clean final inning.
Head Coach Aaron Bryant praised the complete effort from his club, particularly Leonard's impact. "Evan really set the standard for us today," Bryant said. "When you can impact the game like that both offensively and on the mound, it gives everyone confidence. I was also proud of how our guys continued to compete up and down the lineup and how our bullpen attacked the zone."
Cleveland State improves to 21–7 on the season and will return to conference play this weekend, hosting Volunteer State Community College on Friday and Saturday at Cougar Field.
