HIGH POINT, N.C. — CIU baseball dropped both games of a non-conference doubleheader to Carolina University on Saturday, falling 5-2 in game one before a 9-8 loss in the finale. The Rams had taken the series opener at home on Friday, but Carolina secured the final two games to close out the regular season.
Game Two: Carolina 5, CIU 2
A scoreless game through five innings quickly shifted in the sixth as Carolina broke through with five runs to take control. CIU was limited offensively for much of the contest but showed life in the seventh inning. Corbin Wright delivered a two-run home run to plate Daniel Sidoti and cut the deficit to 5-2, but the rally would fall short.
Wright led the Rams with three hits and two RBIs, while Aiden Pomnitz and Aaron Guthrie each added hits in the effort.
On the mound, Matthew Garris tossed 5.2 innings before the sixth-inning surge, finishing with five strikeouts.
Game Three: Carolina 9, CIU 8
The series finale turned into an offensive battle, with Carolina walking off CIU in the seventh inning.CIU struck early with three runs in the second inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from Ian D'Amico and an additional run scoring on an error to take a 3-1 lead.
Carolina answered with a five-run third inning to swing the momentum, but the Rams continued to battle. D'Amico homered again in the sixth as part of a three-run frame, and CIU tied the game at 8-8 in the seventh following an RBI single from Ethan Hynicka and a run scoring on a wild pitch.
Despite the comeback, Carolina responded in the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run to walk off the Rams and secure the win.
D'Amico led the offense with two home runs and four RBIs, while Chance Weathersbee added a home run and multiple hits. Hynicka finished with two hits and an RBI in the loss.
Up Next: CIU will begin play in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament on Tuesday, April 28, with seeding to be determined.
