Columbia, Mo. – Tonight the Columbia College baseball team was back in action when they played host to the Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University Lions in the first game of the their final three game series of the regular season. The Cougars, who came into this game fresh off a three game sweep over Lyon (Ark.) College, were able to defeat the Lions by a final score of 7-3. With the win, Columbia College improves to 32-15 on the season and 21-6 in conference play.

The Lions got off to a quick start in the game as they were able to rally for three early runs in the top of the first inning to take a 3-0 lead in the ballgame. However, Columbia bounced back quickly and were able to score two runs in the bottom half of the frame to cut Freed-Hardemans lead to 3-2. Neither side was able to get anything going over the next few innings but the Cougars scored two runs in the fourth and added three runs in the fifth to take a 7-3 lead into the sixth. The Lions did their best to get back into the game but a strong defensive effort from Columbia propelled them to their 32^nd win of the season.

J.W. McGraw (3-2) was the starting pitcher in this game as he allowed four hits and three earned runs in 1.0 innings of work. Jeremy Rettig (7-2) came in to relieve McGraw in the second inning and proceeded to strike out two batters and allow just three hits in 8.0 scoreless innings to pick up his seventh win of the season. Offensively, Columbia was led by Justin Randle who went 2-2 with three RBI's and Ethan Howser who went 2-3 with a run scored.

The Cougars will return to the diamond on Friday, April 28^th when they host Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University in the final two game of the three game series. This doubleheader will serve as senior night for the Columbia College and we will honor Zach Maskill before the game for his contributions to the program this season. The first game of the doubleheader is set to start at 1 p.m. with the second game to follow at Atkins Park.