KINGSPORT, TENN. - With eight teams remaining in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament, the Rams returned to the field early Thursday morning looking to avenge their Tuesday loss to No. 6 seed University of Pikeville. CIU struck early and leaned on a strong pitching performance to shut out the Bears 4-0 and move on in the tournament.

CIU 4 Pikeville 0: Back-to-back walks in the second inning set the stage for CIU, as a sac bunt by Tanner Henderson and a sac fly from Bradley Garland brought in the game's first run. Starter Matthew Garris kept Pikeville off balance, holding them hitless until the third inning and stranding their lone base runner. The Rams added to their lead in the fifth when Eric Doyon ripped a two-RBI double to score Mason Turner and Graham Peeler. Pikeville threatened in the seventh and eighth with runners in scoring position, but the Rams' defense held strong. In the ninth, Noah Davis added an insurance run with a pinch-hit sac fly, and Darius Dunn-Hatchette closed the door with two strikeouts and a pop-up to seal the 4-0 win.

Box Score Highlights: 

• The Rams outhit the Bears 7-4. 

• Garris allowed just one hit in 6.0 IP and Dunn-Hatchette allowed three in 4.0 IP. 

• Doyon led the team with two RBI, with Garland and Davis picking up one with sac flies. 

Up Next: The Rams will take on the loser of No. 1 Reinhardt vs No. 4 Milligan tomorrow, Friday, May 2, at 9 a.m. EST.