COLUMBIA, S.C. – In what was an impromptu home opener for CIU baseball, the Rams hosted the University of South Carolina –Beaufort after the game was moved to Columbia because of the threat of rain in the Lowcountry. CIU (0-4) split with the Sand Sharks last season in a double-header but would only play a single game on Tuesday. In what was a strange offensive outing for CIU, the Rams would fall to USCB (4-3) 11-7.
How It Happened: The Sand Sharks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead against CIU starting pitcher Justin Parish in the first inning. Carter Willis would steal second and third and then score on a wild throw for the Rams' first run. Later Joshua Hernandez would advance to third and then score to tie the contest at 2-2 in the bottom of the first. CIU would fall behind but then mounted a comeback in the bottom of the 8th. CIU loaded the bases all on all walks and then scored after slugger Joshua Hernandez was walked. Corley Cheeks and Carter Willis both scored on errors by the Sand Sharks and cut the lead to just 11-7. CIU's defensive would hold in the top of the ninth, but the Rams were unable to score in the bottom of the final inning.
Game Notes:
- CIU reached base on balls an astounding 15 times and had a season-high five stolen bases.
- Joshua Hernandez, Bryce Spittle, and Robert Bell all recorded RBI's.
- Hernandez reached base on balls a game-high four times.
What Coach Jonathan Johnson is saying:
"I was disappointed with our performance today. We have a lot of work to do and need some young players to step up while we wait for some of our starters to get back. Hopefully, we can get in our games this weekend and get back on track."
Up Next:
CIU is currently scheduled to start a weekend series with Carolina University at 2 PM on Friday.
