COLUMBIA, S.C. - After falling in game one, CIU baseball needed to pick up a win on Friday in their doubleheader against No. 9 Reinhardt University (Ga.) to secure a spot in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) tournament. The Eagles pulled away big in game two, but the Rams were within one in game three. Despite the comeback efforts, CIU fell 0-3 in the series. The Rams finished the regular season 18-32 and 10-20 in AAC play. 

Game Two: RU 15 CIU 4: Reinhardt took an early lead after scoring two runs in the first frame. The Rams threatened to score after Scott McDonough doubled in the second, but he was left stranded after advancing to third. A line-out from Jennings Greene scored Collin Greer in the bottom of the third after a three-run inning from the Eagles to cut their lead to 5-1. Reinhardt scratched another in the fourth, but McDonough brought the Rams within two after a three-run shot (6-4). However, the Eagles responded with five more to lead 11-4. They tacked on four more in the final frame to secure the game two win. 

Box Score Highlights: 

• McDonough led the way with three RBI and three hits, including his 10th homer of the season. 

• Greene recorded the only other RBI of the contest. 

• Rodrigo Rodriguez allowed just two hits in 2.1 innings. 

Game Three: RU 6 CIU 5: The Rams threatened to score in the bottom of the first after Rafael Gonzales and Colton Lopez led off with back-to-back singles, but three consecutive outs kept them off the board. The Eagles continued to take advantage of the long ball and scored two runs in the second. Their advantage was shortlived as CIU quickly took their first lead of the series, highlighted by RBI singles from Tanner Martinez and Shane Hammonds (5-2). Reinhardt pushed two across in the third, but the Rams held onto their lead. The Eagles tied the game in the fourth and regained the lead in the sixth. After a leadoff double, Collin Otte struck out the next three batters to keep them off the board. The Rams threatened with bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth, but a flyout ended their scoring threat. McDonough reached base in the final frame but was left there to prevent a comeback. 

Box Score Highlights: 

• Martinez led the team with two hits, while four others chipped in one. 

• Deric Hanko struck out nine batters, tying his career high. 

• Otte allowed just one hit and struck out four in 2.0 innings.