HARTSVILLE, SC – The CIU Rams baseball team took a break from their conference schedule on Tuesday to take on their first-ever NCAA opponent. CIU traveled to Hartsville, South Carolina, to go up against Coker College. Coker is an NCAA Division II program hailing from the highly competitive South Atlantic Conference. The Rams would not shy away from their in-state foe, however, and disposed of the Cobras 5-4.

How It Happened:

• Grant Bodison hit a single to as the lead-off man for CIU, but the Rams would fall behind 1-0 in the bottom of the 1st. On his next trip to the plate, Bodison would answer with two-RBI double scoring Carter Willis and Alex Miller.
• The Rams added to their advantage, putting more run on the board in the 4th inning courtesy of Kody Trujillo. Trujillo doubled to left-center to send Alex Miller home for his second run of the game.
• Coker regained the lead on a homer in the 6th inning. CIU stayed scoreless until the top of the 8th inning until Trujillo stole home after getting base on a fielder's choice. Carter Willis then stole second, and Shane Hammonds picked up an RBI single to send Willis home.
• Joshua Hernandez (RHP) would enter in the 8th to close the game for CIU. Hernandez held the Cobras scoreless in the final two innings to secure the win for the Rams.

Game Notes:

• Grant Bodison had a notable stat line with two hits, two RBI's in two at bats.
• Kody Trujillo notched an RBI and scored a run stealing home.
• Carter Willis recorded another double while Shane Hammonds added to his RBI total.
• The Rams are now 1-0 all-time against NCAA opponents.
• Brett Collins, Trent Polly and Joshua Hernandez all recorded a strikeout. Polly was given the win while Hernandez finished the game with the save. 

Coach Johnson Quotables:

"Today was another step in the right direction. It took solid pitching, good defense, and timely hitting to beat a quality Coker team."

Up Next:

The Rams will host non-conference NAIA opponent Aquinas College on Thursday, February 10th.