PULASKI, Tenn. – The IU Columbus baseball team opened its season with a tough four-game series at Tennessee Southern, showing flashes of promise but ultimately falling short in all four match-ups. The Crimson Pride wrapped up the weekend with a heartbreaking 6-5 loss in the series finale after Tennessee Southern walked it off in the bottom of the seventh.
Game 1: Slow Start Leads to 10-3 Defeat
IU Columbus fell behind early in the series opener as Tennessee Southern capitalized on a five-run second inning to take control. Jack Robinson provided a spark with an RBI double, while Avery Seegers added an RBI in the seventh. However, defensive miscues and struggles on the mound allowed Tennessee Southern to pull away.
Game 2: Offensive Struggles in 3-0 Loss
The Crimson Pride's bats went cold in the second game, managing just one hit in a 3-0 shutout loss. Pitching kept IU Columbus in the game, with Brayden Furnish and the bullpen allowing just two earned runs over six innings. Despite a strong effort on the mound, the offense couldn't break through against Tennessee Southern's dominant pitching.
Game 3: Tennessee Southern Pulls Away Late in 10-0 Loss
IU Columbus continued to struggle offensively in the third game of the series, managing five hits but failing to push across any runs. Tennessee Southern jumped out early and used a four-run fourth inning to put the game out of reach. Aiden Thompson took the loss despite battling through three innings.
Game 4: Late Lead Slips Away in 6-5 Heartbreaker
The series finale was IU Columbus' best effort of the weekend, as the team fought back from multiple deficits before ultimately falling 6-5 on a walk-off single. Cyrus Robinson and John Bloom each homered to keep the Crimson Pride in the game, and a clutch sixth-inning rally tied things up at 5-5. However, Tennessee Southern delivered in the final frame, bringing home the winning run to seal the sweep.
Looking Ahead
Despite the winless weekend, IU Columbus showed signs of promise for its third year campaign. The Crimson Pride will look to regroup and earn their first win as they return to action and host their home opener on Friday (Feb. 14) and Saturday (Feb. 15).