MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat baseball team finished up its six-game homestand and three-game series versus Columbia International University Saturday afternoon at Newell Field in Montreat, N.C. After winning the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) series opener yesterday, the Cavaliers dropped a pair of 9-7 and 11-2 finals. As a result, the Cavs' record moved to 16-24 (8-13 AAC).
Like he did on Friday,
Jaider Morelos handed Montreat a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The Cartagena, Colombia native whacked a single into left field, plating
Daniel Wagner for game one's initial run.
Columbia International (21-16, 9-12 AAC) took the lead with a two-run single in the top of the third, but the Cavaliers claimed it right back during the ensuing half inning.
Tommy Ramos leveled the score with a bases-loaded walk, and
Blake Watts crushed a go-ahead grand slam just one batter later.
Nick Kantzavelos helped keep the Rams' offense at bay during the middle stages of the opening contest. Relieving starter
Matt Campos after three frames, Kantzavelos hurled four innings of his own, surrendering just three hits and one unearned run. That run came in the top of the seventh, but the hosts still owned a 6-3 advantage with just two innings left.
A pair of doubles aided CIU in erasing its three-run deficit in the eighth.
Justin Austin's seventh homer of the campaign, a solo shot, put Montreat back on top, 7-6; however, the visitors scored a trio of runs once again, this time in the ninth. A three-run blast resulted in the Cavs' second blown save in as many innings, and Columbia International closed out a 9-7 triumph to complete its comeback.
The Rams outhit the hosts in game one, 13-7. Austin, Watts and
Jason Brulport each recorded two knocks. Watts' four RBIs paced all players, while both Wagner and Austin scored twice. In addition to Kantzavelos,
Trevor Laughlin was not charged with an earned run during his outing.
CIU got the scoring started in game two with a two-run homer to center.
Dean Davis and
Zeb Marquis erased the Cavaliers' deficit in the bottom of the third, though, as the duo launched a pair of solo shots to right and center, respectively.
Saturday's warm temperatures helped the ball carry, and Columbia International capitalized. The Rams homered three times in the fourth and twice in the sixth as they surged out to a 9-2 lead. A two-run single in the seventh capped off an 11-2 CIU victory.
Ryan Henrickson started on the mound for Montreat, while
Dawson Yokley and
Ashe Ammerlaan each tossed at least one frame out of the bullpen. Each pitcher gave up at least two runs.
Morelos and
Devon Smith combined for four of the home side's seven hits. The Rams totaled 14 knocks, including seven extra-base hits, across their seven innings at the plate.
"Today wasn't a very good day," said head coach
Jason Beck. "We really need to learn to be more consistent, and a constant theme has been finishing games. We will continue to try to improve and get ready for a big series against Union next weekend."
Montreat resumes play next Friday with the start of another three-game series at Union Commonwealth University. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Barbourville, Ky.
