KINGSPORT, Tenn. — No. 9 CIU baseball dropped a 9-1 decision to No. 4 Spartanburg Methodist on Tuesday afternoon at Hunter Wright Stadium in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament play.
The Rams got on the board early in the first inning. Kai Smith singled to lead things off, and Daniel Sidoti followed with a double to put runners in scoring position. Corbin Wright brought home the run with an RBI groundout to give CIU a 1-0 lead. Spartanburg Methodist answered in the second inning, putting together a five-run frame to take control of the game. CIU was unable to recover offensively the rest of the way. The Rams had opportunities, including a strong chance in the seventh inning when they loaded the bases with one out after a walk from Ian D'Amico and singles by Aaron Guthrie and David Mora. However, a double play ended the threat and kept CIU from cutting into the deficit.
Sidoti led CIU at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with a double. Aaron Guthrie and David Mora also added two hits apiece as the Rams totaled eight hits on the day. On the mound, Manuel Geisel threw the first four innings, while Trevor Merck added two scoreless innings in relief. Miller Stuck and Chase Denton also saw time out of the bullpen to close the game.
CIU faces No. 7 Reinhardt in an elimination game tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29, at 9 A.M. EST.
