Pioneers Fall to CIU, 10-2

Spartanburg, S.C. – Columbia International University erased an early 1-0 lead by the Spartanburg Methodist College baseball team on its way to a 10-2 win on Monday night.

The Pioneers (1-7) plated an unearned run in the second inning for the early lead. A one out walk to Tyler Strickland; then, SMC put runners on the corners when a ball was misplayed by the Rams first baseman. Then, Angel Garrido brought in Strickland from third for the early lead.

CIU came back in the third to score three runs on three hits and five runs on four hits in the fourth for an 8-1 lead.

Then, Cannon got aboard for the second time in the game with a double to right-center in the bottom of the fifth to break up the no-hit bid.

CIU added to its lead with a run each in the fifth and sixth ining for a 10-1 advantage. Then, SMC got back on the scoreboard with a one out RBI double by Brady Jeffcoat in the bottom of the sixth. He brought in Jarian Pinckney, who had reached on a fielder's choice earlier in the inning.

Bradley Garland led CIU with four hits and two runs scored. Plus, Mason Turner had two hits and and Collin Greer had two hits and three RBI for the Rams.

CIU used five-different pitchers on the night with starter Matthew Greer going three innings and striking out three for the win. He handed the ball off to Miller Stuck, who struck out five in three innings of relief.

SMC utilized three-different pitchers in the loss. Starter Jordan Hudson went three innings and struck out four in the loss.

For the Pioneers, next, they will travel to Russell Morgan Field for a three-game series against Johnson. The series is scheduled to get underway on Friday, Feb. 14.