Branson, Mo. – This afternoon the Columbia College men's baseball team returned to the field to finish out the Tri-Match taking on the Bellevue University Bruins and the College of the Ozarks Bobcats in one more game each. The Cougars fell 3-2 against the Bruins and came up just short again 4-3 to the Bobcats. The Cougars are now 20-17 on the season.
In game one the Cougars were able to get on the board first as Ethan Howser tripled to drive in two runs. Despite the quick start, the game was scoreless on both sides over the next five innings. Columbia was up 2-0 heading into the final inning, however they were unable to hold off the Bruins in the end as they were able to rally three runs in the bottom of the seventh to end the game 3-2, giving the Cougars the loss.
Reid Browning was on the mound as he allowed six hits, zero earned runs, and struck out four batters. Offensively, Chase Urhahn was 2-3, Dalton Bealmer was 1-2 with one run scored, Kenny Piper was 1-3 with one run scored, and Ethan Howser went 1-3 with two RBIs.
Game two was another close contest. Neither team was able to cross the plate until the fifth inning where each team got rid of their goose egg on the board. The Cougars scored one, but the Bobcats were able to get two to take the lead. The sixth was another scoreless inning. In the top of the seventh the Cougars snagged two runs to go up 3-2, and just needed three outs to secure the win. However, the Bobcats were able to tally two runs to take the win away from the Cougars 4-3.
Grant Starke started the game as he struck out two batters and did not allow any hits in 1.1 innings. Derek Sallee came in for 3.0 innings where he allowed three hits, two earned runs, and struck out two. Then Jordan Copeland came in for 1.2 innings where he did not allow any hits and struck out one batter. Josiah Imhoff was the final pitcher of the day as he allowed one hit and two earned runs. Offensively, Nolan Rattai was 2-4 with one RBI, Chase Urhahn was 1-4 with two RBI, Kenny Piper was 1-3, Bradley Prebay was 1-2, and Jady Reese was 1-2, while Josh Mobley, Joshua Miller, and Hunter Trowbridge each added a run.
The baseball team hosts the 13th ranked Central Methodist University Eagles on Tuesday, April 16th. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
