MARION, N.C.— The Montreat College baseball team opened up its Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) and home slates on Thursday when it took on the Columbia International University Rams twice at Big League Camp in Marion, N.C. Despite being outhit in both contests, the Cavaliers scored a pair of close 3-2 and 9-7 victories, running their winning streak to seven in the process. With the wins, the Cavs' record improved to 7-3 (2-0 AAC), while CIU's record dropped to 1-14 (0-2 AAC).
After a scoreless start to game one, the Rams broke the ice with a run in the top of the fifth. A series of bunts coupled with a throwing error enabled Columbia International to score two runs. Montreat pulled one back during the ensuing half inning, though, when
Tommy Ramos doubled down the third-base line, driving in
Zachary Long. As a result, the hosts trailed the visitors 2-1 midway through the initial matchup.
In the sixth inning, the Cavaliers capitalized on the Rams' defensive miscues.
Justin Austin's single up the middle, combined with a throwing error, brought
Cameron Nagel home to tie the game. Long then delivered a seeing-eye RBI infield single to plate Austin, putting the Cavs ahead 3-2 through six.
Montreat's defense held strong for the remainder of the game, as did the pitching staff. CIU managed a two-out single in the final frame, but the home side closed out its 3-2 triumph to begin conference play.
Bryton Williams pitched six innings as the starter, allowing only two earned runs on six hits. The Hudson, Fla. native also struck out a trio of Rams for his second win of the year.
Nick Kantzavelos came in for relief, pitching three shutout frames to garner his first save in a Montreat jersey. The three-year varsity Cavalier gave up merely two hits and punched out three batters.
Austin recorded two of his squad's five hits to go along with one RBI. Long also tallied a knock, a walk, an RBI and a run.
Game two was also a back-and-forth affair, but this time around, the Cavs scored first. Nagel walked, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and a stolen base and then scored on a wild pitch.
Columbia International countered with at least one run during each of the next three frames. A fielding error in the second aided the visitors in evening the score at one run apiece. Back-to-back RBI knocks during the top of the third pushed the Rams in front of the Cavaliers, 3-1. Another error, this time of the throwing variety, helped CIU score an additional unearned run and build its advantage out to 4-1.
Montreat's bats came alive in the fifth inning.
Jack Weisman and
Devon Smith registered infield singles before Weisman came around to score on a double play. Just one batter later, Austin clobbered a two-run blast down the right-field line that knotted up the clash.
Daniel Restrepo later drove in Ramos thanks to an RBI double to left, suddenly flipping the score in the hosts' favor at 5-4.
Not to be outdone, the Rams threw their best punch in the sixth, lofting a three-run homer to right that catapulted themselves back in front, 7-5. However, the Cavs never quit. Three walks, a hit-by-pitch and three wild pitches proved pivotal in putting Montreat ahead for good. A four-run bottom of the sixth saw the home team seize a 9-7 lead and conclude the scoring account.
Hunter Furches touched home via a wild pitch, while Nagel doubled home Smith to tie the contest. Ramos' two-run knock through the left side ultimately capped off the offensive surge.
Hunter Rast slammed the door shut in the top of the seventh, clinching the 9-7 win and capturing the program's first series victory over CIU since the Rams joined the AAC.
Ja'Lan Chambers started on the mound, hurling three innings and surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, while striking out four.
Trevor Laughlin provided two innings of relief, conceding one unearned run on six hits and striking out two.
Ethan Caldwell pitched one inning and picked up the win, punching out one and allowing three runs on two knocks. Rast bagged his second save of the campaign behind a scoreless final frame that included two Ks.
Austin unleashed the Cavaliers' lone home run, collecting two RBIs in the process. Nagel tallied two runs and notched two hits, including a double. Ramos added two base knocks and drove in two runs, providing crucial offense. Smith crossed the plate twice, aided by his one hit and one walk.
The Montreat College baseball team finishes out its three-game series against CIU Friday afternoon. First pitch is set for 2:30 p.m. at Big League Camp in Marion, N.C.
