EASLEY, S.C. – Columbia International University (CIU) baseball is headed to the 2021 NCCAA World Series championship after defeating Carolina (N.C) 10-0 in the NCCAA World Series semifinals. The feat is impressive as the 2021 season is the Rams' first full season of collegiate competition as CIU (37-26) started baseball in 2020 but had last year cut short due to COVID-19. CIU stays a perfect 5-0 through the NCCAA World Series as the Rams are undefeated against NCCAA competition. Former Lexington Blowfish coach Jonathan Johnson is at the helm for CIU and is proving to be one of the best coaches in the NCCAA.

The contest was the Ram's third win this season against Carolina (17-17) as CIU defeated the Bruins twice in Winston-Salem during the regular season. Trent Polly started on the mound for CIU and, despite giving up several hits early in the game, was able to keep Carolina scoreless.  Designated hitter Alex Miller got the scoring started for the Rams as he notched an RBI-single in the bottom of the second. Later, CIU led 4-0, heading into the bottom of the 6th as the Rams would explode for six runs in the inning as the scoring burst was capped off by a two-RBI double from Kody Trujillo to put the Rams up 10-0. Trent Polly would secure the victory in the top of the 7th inning as the Rams run-ruled the Bruins.
 

Kody Trujillo led the Rams offensively, going 3-4 with two RBI's and two doubles. Columbia native and A.C Flora graduate Joshua Hernandez was the other Ram with multiple RBI's as he recorded two. Trent Polly went the distance on the mound, pitching the shutout and tallying three strikeouts.

CIU will take on fellow NAIA program and No. 1 seed Southwestern Christian (Oka.) on Tuesday at 1 PM for the 2021 NCCAA World Series crown. The Eagles (47-12) are the only other team that has stayed undefeated throughout the World Series. The game will be held at JB Owens Sports Complex in Easley.