COLUMBIA, S.C. - After a slight rain delay, the Rams took the field to open up their final home Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) series against Kentucky Christian University on Friday. A rough defensive start gave the Knights an early lead, but nine hits and ten walks handed CIU the run-rule victory in game one.
CIU 13 KCU 3: Kentucky Christian put up three runs in the first inning after a few defensive miscues from the Rams, but this was the last time the Knights would touch home plate. CIU was scoreless until the third inning, when they tied the game thanks to a double from Tanner Martinez and back-to-back singles from Brandt Miller and Joshua Hernandez. The Rams took the lead from an RBI single from James Lovera (4-3), but a big fifth inning guaranteed CIU the victory tonight. After six walks, three hits, and a hit-by-pitch, the Rams extended their lead to 11-3. They scored another in the sixth on a ground ball from Rafael Gonzalez and then ended the game in the seventh after a triple from Hernandez and an RBI sac fly from Carter Willis.
Box Score Highlights:
- Hernandez, Miller, and Lovera led the team with two hits apiece, with Lovera leading the team with four RBIs.
- Three other Rams notched a hit on the night, and ten reached on a walk.
- Justin Parish got the win, going five innings with five strikeouts. Hunter Garris closed out the game, picking up three strikeouts in two innings.
Up Next: CIU takes the field for games two and three against Kentucky Christian on Saturday, April 15, at 12 AM and 3 PM. CIU's 2023 seniors will be honored before the game one.
