COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU played the first two games of the four-game series against NCCAA opponent Carolina University (N.C.). The Rams held the lead in both games but could not maintain it in game one. CIU held off the Bruins to take game two and improve to 9-20 on the season.
Game One: CU 9 CIU 6: The Rams scored first after defensive miscues from Carolina and then a sac fly from Shane Hammonds, but a solo shot from the Bruins in the second brought the score to 3-1. Scott McDonough added another run with an RBI single, but four hits and struggles on the mound allowed Carolina to score eight runs in the top of the fourth to lead 9-4. Austin Paradise hit a sac fly in the bottom of the sixth, and Hammonds hit one in the bottom of the seventh, but they were held to these two runs in the final frames to go down 9-6.
Box Score Highlights:
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McDonough led the team with two hits, while three others recorded one.
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Hammonds notched two RBI, both with sac flys.
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Tanner Bridges allowed only two hits and struck out three in 2.2 innings, while Chase Denton allowed no hits and struck out two in 1.0.
Game Two: CIU 9 CU 6: The Rams bounced back quickly and scored seven runs in the first inning after five singles and a James Lovera double. Brayden Adams and the Rams' defense held the Bruins scoreless until they notched one in the fourth, but CIU matched this after an RBI single from Emmanuel Maldonado. Carolina added another in the fifth to bring the score to 8-2, but Jennings Greene singled in a pinch-hit situation to extend the score to 9-2. The Bruins rallied in the final frame, scoring four, but a lineout with two runners on ended their comeback threat.
Box Score Highlights:
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Maldonado led the team with two hits and three RBI.
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McDonough is currently leading the team with an 11-game hit streak.
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Adams picked up his third win of the season after striking out three and allowing four hits in 5.0 innings.
Up Next: CIU finishes the series against Carolina University (N.C.) on the road tomorrow with two seven-inning games slated to start at 2 p.m. EST.