MARION, N.C.— The Montreat College baseball team wrapped up its first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) weekend of the 2026 season Friday afternoon. The Cavaliers beat the Columbia International University Rams by a final score of 4-3, earning a 3-0 sweep in the series and extending their winning streak to eight games in a row, the longest for the program since April of 2023. As a result of the weekend, the Cavs sit at 8-3 (3-0 AAC) on the year, while CIU slid to 1-15 (0-3 AAC).
In the opening frame, both teams were able to push a run across the plate. Montreat responded in the bottom half with a sacrifice fly from Daniel Restrepo, who brought in Cameron Nagel to even the score at 1-1. Nagel reached base with a leadoff single and swiped both second and third.
The second inning saw no offensive action from either squad, but CIU took a 3-1 lead in the third inning with a pair of runs plated by an extra-base hit and a single through the left side. However, the fifth frame is where the momentum shifted in favor of the home team. Jason Brulport reached on an infield single to lead off the bottom half, and he scored via an outfield error following a Devon Smith base hit. The offensive production didn't stop there, as Kaden Ethier singled into center field to bring in Smith. The fourth and final run for the Cavs came from Restrepo's single to short, which sent home Ethier. Suddenly, Montreat held a 4-3 lead, its first of the day, entering the sixth.
Defense and relief pitching proved to be the winning formula for the hosts down the stretch. The Cavaliers' bullpen combined for 4 2/3 shutout innings and rode their 4-3 lead all the way to victory.
"We wanted to make sure we got started off on the right foot," said head coach Jason Beck. "We've had some trouble with CIU in the past; they always play us well, so to be able to come out and sweep was really important for us coming out of the gate."
Ryan Henrickson got the starting nod for the Cavs, covering 4 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits and three earned runs while striking out one batter. Jordon Hart followed with 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, issuing two walks but not surrendering any hits, to claim his second victory of the campaign. Isaiah Pappas contributed 2/3 of an inning, which featured a pivotal strikeout. Hunter Rast closed the game with 1 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and striking out one to secure his third save of the season.
Ethier and Smith led the team by collecting two hits apiece, with Ethier also grabbing an RBI. Restrepo had one hit and plated two runs for the Cavaliers. Tommy Ramos, Nagel and Brulport also all found themselves in the hit column.
Looking ahead, the Cavs will face Morris College for a nonconference twin bill on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. in Sumter, S.C.
