COLUMBUS, Ind. - The IU Columbus Crimson Pride split a doubleheader with Goshen College on Tuesday, February 25, showcasing both resilience and growing pains as the young season continues to unfold at Ceraland Park.
Game 1: IU Columbus Rallies for 8-4 Victory
In the opener, IU Columbus overcame an early deficit to secure an 8-4 comeback win over the visiting Maple Leafs. After falling behind 4-1 in the second inning, the Crimson Pride chipped away at Goshen's lead before pulling ahead for good in the sixth.
The game began with Lucas Slager putting IU Columbus on the board with an RBI double in the first inning, but Goshen responded forcefully in the top of the second. The Maple Leafs capitalized on several Crimson Pride miscues, including an error and a passed ball, to score four unearned runs and take a three-run lead.
The turning point came when relief pitcher Caleb Richards entered the game in the third inning. The right-hander delivered a masterful performance, shutting down Goshen's offense with 6.2 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits.
While Richards silenced Goshen's bats, the Crimson Pride offense methodically erased the deficit. Johnny Sewell proved to be a catalyst, scoring three runs including a crucial steal of home in the sixth inning that gave IU Columbus its first lead since the opening frame.
The home team pulled away with aggressive baserunning, stealing seven bases total. Brevin Barker swiped two bags while Will Lewis added three stolen bases of his own.
Game 2: Goshen's Big Innings Overwhelm Crimson Pride in 15-4 Rout
The momentum didn't carry into the nightcap as Goshen exploded for 14 runs across the second and third innings en route to a convincing 15-4 victory.
IU Columbus struck first, plating two runs in the opening inning on Cyrus Robinson's two-run double. However, the wheels came off for the Crimson Pride pitching staff in the second inning.
Goshen sent 12 batters to the plate in the frame, scoring eight runs despite recording just three hits. The Maple Leafs capitalized on three walks, a hit batter, and a wild pitch to take control of the game.
The third inning brought more of the same as Goshen tacked on six more runs, effectively putting the game out of reach. Trent Sillett and Joel Berkholz led the visitors' attack with two hits apiece, while Nick Padron drove in three runs despite not recording a hit.
For IU Columbus, Lucas Slager provided a bright spot with two doubles, but the Crimson Pride couldn't generate enough offense to keep pace with Goshen's outburst.
Looking Ahead
The split moves IU Columbus to 2-7 on the young season following their three-game set against Concordia University (MI) last weekend. The Crimson Pride have shown flashes of potential, particularly in their pitching staff when throwing strikes and a defense that can make plays when challenged.
IU Columbus will look to build on their promising moments as they prepare for conference play, starting this Friday (Feb. 28), where they face RSC for Rio Grande on the road. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM.
