FLORENCE, Ky. — IU Columbus secured two hard-fought wins over UC-Clermont in a thrilling doubleheader on Tuesday, March 18, with scores of 3-2 and 11-9.
Game 1: A Late Surge Leads to a 3-2 Win
In the opener, IU Columbus battled through a tight contest, ultimately emerging victorious with a 3-2 win. Despite being held scoreless through the first four innings, the team came to life in the fifth and seventh frames to push past UC-Clermont.
The scoring for IU Columbus started in the fifth inning when Avery Seegers reached base on an error by the third baseman, allowing John Codner to score an unearned run and tie the game at 1-1. The momentum swung in the visitors' favor in the top of the seventh when Cyrus Robinson tripled to center field, driving in two crucial runs, as Codner and Brevin Barker both crossed the plate to give IU Columbus a 3-1 lead. UC-Clermont answered with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth, but they couldn't generate any further offense, and the Crimson Pride held on for the 3-2 win.
Carson McNulty contributed multiple hits in the win, while Robinson's key triple highlighted a solid offensive performance. On the mound, Brendan Bailey pitched four strong innings with just one earned run allowed, while Blake Nigg and Gavin Haltom provided solid relief to close out the game. Nigg earned the win for game 1.
Game 2: IU Columbus Stamps Down UC-Clermont with 11-9 Victory
The second game was a high-scoring affair, with IU Columbus breaking out for 11 runs on 13 hits to top UC-Clermont 11-9. The team took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when John Codner's fielder's choice allowed McNulty to score. UC-Clermont responded quickly, tying the game in their half of the first inning with a single by Jackson Roseburro, but IU Columbus answered back in the third inning with four runs, including a triple from Robinson that brought home McNulty.
Codner was again a key contributor, delivering a pair of key hits in the third and fourth innings, including a triple that scored Robinson and a single that added another RBI. The top of the fourth saw IU Columbus push their lead to 7-2, with four members of the Crimson Pride all crossing the plate
UC-Clermont mounted a strong rally in the fifth and sixth innings, with a three-run homer from Grant Gillespie in the fifth, and then scoring four more in the sixth to trim the deficit to just one run, 10-9. However, the Crimson Pride added an insurance run in the top of the fifth on a single by Aiden Hapner, and held UC-Clermont scoreless over the final inning to claim the 11-9 victory.
Codner's standout performance included going 3-for-5 with five RBIs, while Robinson added three hits on four appearances. The pitching staff was led by Griffin Stromberg, who earned the win, pitching four innings with four earned runs allowed. Riley Mertl and Jack VonDielingen each provided strong relief to secure the win.
Looking Ahead
IU Columbus' balanced offense and solid pitching proved to be the difference in both games as they notched two more in the win column. The team's resilience, particularly in the clutch moments of both games, will be a confidence booster moving forward. With standout performances from John Codner, Cyrus Robinson, and solid pitching from Bailey, Stromberg, and others, IU Columbus looks poised for a strong season.
The Crimson Pride continue their stretch of road games this weekend (Mar. 21 & 22). The team will travel to Ohio Christian University for a four-game series. Both days are scheduled to start at noon.
