The Carolina University Bruins faced off against Columbia International University (CIU) in a three-game series at Rich Park, with the Rams taking all three contests.
Game 1: CIU 16, Carolina 6Â
The series opener saw an offensive explosion from CIU, as the Rams racked up 20 hits in a dominant 16-6 victory. CIU put up five runs in the fifth inning and four more in the ninth to seal the win. Carolina battled back with home runs from
Alexis Fontanez,
Randy De Maio, and
Robbie Smith, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
Key Players:
Carolina:
CIU:
- M. Turner: 3-for-6, 5 RBIs, HR
- T. Williams: 4-for-6, HR, 3 RBIs
- G. Peeler: 4-for-6, HR, 4 RBIs
Game 2: CIU 19, Carolina 1
CIU continued their offensive barrage in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, scoring 19 runs on 15 hits. The Rams put up nine runs in the third inning, effectively putting the game out of reach early. Carolina's lone run came in the fourth when Maio drove in Martinez on a sacrifice fly.
Key Players:
Carolina:
CIU:
- T. Williams: 3-for-5, HR, 6 RBIs
- G. Peeler: 3-for-4, HR, 4 RBIs
Game 3: CIU 4, Carolina 2Â
The Bruins put up a stronger fight in the series finale, holding a 2-1 lead going into the seventh inning. However, CIU rallied with three runs in the top of the seventh to secure a 4-2 win.
Danny Gonzalez hit a solo home run for Carolina, while starting pitcher
Caden Ross delivered five scoreless innings before the Rams broke through against the bullpen.
Key Players:
Carolina:
CIU:
- K. Smith: 2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBIs
- E. Doyon: 2-for-2, RBI
Up Next:
Despite the losses, Carolina showed flashes of strong play, particularly from their power hitters and starting pitching. The Bruins will look to bounce back in their next game at Bluefield University on Tuesday, March 25th.Â
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