Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3

In a storybook ending to their 2025 campaign, the IU Columbus baseball team staged a dramatic comeback to win 5-4 over River States Conference favorites Oakland City on Saturday afternoon, giving eight Crimson Pride seniors the perfect sendoff in their final collegiate game. The victory provided an emotional conclusion to the season after going 0-2 in the series opening doubleheader on Thursday.

Game #1: Oakland City 18, IU Columbus 1

The series opener proved challenging for IU Columbus as Oakland City's offense erupted for 21 hits in an 18-1 victory. The visitors jumped to an early lead with four runs in the first inning and continued to build their advantage throughout the game.

Oakland City's Keifer Wilson led the offensive onslaught, going 3-for-4 with a home run and 5 RBIs. Leyton Ivers (4-for-6) and Kendric Sorgius (2-for-5 with a homer) also had standout performances for the visitors.

IU Columbus struggled to generate offense against Oakland City starter Mick Uebelhor, who limited the Crimson Pride to just three hits and one run over four innings. Cyrus Robinson provided the lone bright spot with a triple and later scored the team's only run on Carson McNulty's groundout.

Game #2: Oakland City 4, IU Columbus 2

The second game of Thursday's doubleheader saw IU Columbus put up a stronger fight, though they ultimately fell 4-2 in a contest shortened by lightning.

Gavin Haltom pitched all five innings for the Crimson Pride, allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out two. Despite the loss, his effort kept IU Columbus within striking distance throughout the abbreviated game.

Johnny Sewell delivered at the plate for IU Columbus, going 2-for-3 and driving in a crucial run in the fifth inning. Jared Ross added a double and scored a run, while Wyatt Sutton contributed an RBI on a sacrifice ground out.

For Oakland City, Kendric Sorgius drove in two runs while Hudson Allen tripled as part of their offensive attack, building just enough of a lead before weather forced the early conclusion.

Game #3: IU Columbus 5, Oakland City 4 

The season finale featured all the drama befitting a Senior Day celebration. After falling behind early, IU Columbus staged a thrilling comeback to secure a 5-4 victory and the series win.

Cyrus Robinson saved his best for last, going 3-for-4 with a triple and scoring three times. His teammate, Carson McNulty added two hits and two RBIs, helping the Crimson Pride stay within striking distance.

The decisive moment came in the eighth inning when senior Lucas Slager delivered a clutch two-run single, driving in Robinson and pinch runner Aiden Hapner to give IU Columbus a 5-4 lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Blake Nigg earned the win with 5.1 solid innings, while Brayden Furnish closed out the final 3.1 frames to seal the victory in the seniors' final collegiate appearance.

Oakland City's Keifer Wilson scored twice and Leyton Ivers added an RBI, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Crimson Pride's determination to send their seniors out with a win.

As the team celebrated Slager's game-winning hit, the emotion was evident among the eight seniors who had completed their collegiate careers with a memorable series victory against one of the conference's top teams.

Looking Ahead

The season-ending series win brought IU Columbus to a final record of 10-37 overall and 3-21 in conference play, while Oakland City finished at 35-13 overall and 19-3 in conference. 

We can't thank our seniors enough for the time and dedication they've poured into the program. They've helped lay the foundation and their leadership at IU Columbus will be greatly missed. Thank you, seniors!

#RollPride