KINGSPORT, Tenn. - After falling into the losers bracket Wednesday night, CIU had to be at the field this morning to take on No. 3 seeded Bryan College (Tenn.). The Lions (31-17, 20-8) are ranked No. 19 in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll. With both teams' seasons on the line and a loss meant going home, Bryan took an early lead that the Rams could not overcome, ending their post-season run. The Rams finish their season 19-28 and 11-18 in conference play.
CIU 1 BC 8: Bryan took an early lead with a home run in the first, and they added another run in the second, but Tanner Martinez caught a runner stealing second to end the inning. CIU's first base runner came in the top of the third when Price Alexander reached on an error, but the Rams could not move him around. The Lions pushed four more runs across in the bottom of the inning to take a 6-0 lead. James Lovera and Rafael Gonzales broke up the no-hitter with back-to-back singles, but CIU did not score either. Bryan tacked on another run in the seventh to extend their lead 7-0; this was the last time they scored. The Rams did not go down without a fight, scoring one run in the top of the ninth thanks to a sac fly from Alexander, but that was all that CIU could push across.
Box Score Highlights:
- Alexander reached base 3-of-4 times today after an error, a walk, and a triple. He also recorded CIU's only RBI on the day.
- Lovera, Gonzales, and Carter Willis collected a hit, and five others reached on a walk.
- Hunter Garris closed out the game, only allowing one hit in two innings.
What Coach Jonathan Johnson is saying: "Wrapping up a season full of adversity, I rejoice knowing we grow in the valleys. This season opened up so many doors to address life choices. This year's team will not be remembered for their achievements on the field, but I know they were challenged to be men and will benefit from the trials they faced as a team this year."
