May 1, 2026

COUGARS CLINCH PLAY-IN SERIES WITH GAME 2 WIN OVER MOTLOW STATE

Box Score

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Cleveland State secured its place in next week's TCCAA Tournament with a 7–3 victory over Motlow State on Thursday afternoon at Cougar Field, clinching the best-of-three play-in series two games to none.

With the win, the Cougars improved to 33–21 on the season and will enter the TCCAA six-team double-elimination tournament as the No. 3 seed. Cleveland State will face the winner of the Dyersburg State–Pellissippi State series on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Central Time at Columbia State Community College in Columbia, Tennessee.

Cleveland State set the tone early, scoring four runs in the first inning before adding insurance runs later in the game to control the contest. The Cougars capitalized on patient at-bats, drawing 10 walks while collecting eight hits to keep consistent pressure on the Motlow pitching staff.

Offensively, the Cougars were led by Hank Adams, who drove in two runs, while Ryan Long added a two-RBI triple. Samuel Formby also knocked in a run, and Kwade Carver chipped in an RBI as part of a balanced lineup effort. Nolan Sergeant and Bennett Kauffman crossed the plate twice as Cleveland State built and maintained the lead.

On the mound, Braden Suggs delivered another strong postseason performance, earning the win after working 6.2 innings and striking out eight while allowing three runs. Evan Cope provided 1.1 innings of scoreless relief to seal the victory and preserve the series sweep.

Head Coach Aaron Bryant praised his team's approach and execution down the stretch. "I loved our focus and tempo from the first inning on," Bryant said. "The guys understood what was at stake, competed every pitch, and did a great job playing clean baseball when it mattered."

The Cougars now turn their attention to postseason play as they prepare for their opening-round matchup in the TCCAA Tournament on Tuesday afternoon.