Cougars Complete Sweep of Roane State on Walk Off Win

Cleveland State completed their series sweep of Roane State today in a walk-off win.

"We played well and hung in their today," head baseball coach Michael Policastro said.  "We did what we had to do to pick up the win."

Right fielder Reggie Cooper singled in shortstop Rhett Hammmontree for the game's first run in the bottom of the second inning. 

In the third centerfielder Bryce Burkey hit a sacrifice fly scoring A.J. Swader to give the Cougars a 2-0 lead. 

Although Cleveland State went up two, they left bases loaded in both the second and third innings. 

With bases loaded Roane State put up their first run in the top of the fourth inning when right fielder Tanner Park grounded into a double play driving in shortstop Parker Henderson.

In the bottom of the fourth catcher Cannon Stafford doubled driving in second baseman Jaylen Jones.  Then first baseman Riley Orr singled scoring Stafford to give the Cougars a 4-1 lead.

In the top of the fifth Park was up with the bases loaded again this time hitting a grand slam to give the Raiders a one run lead.

In the bottom of the sixth Orr hit a home run of this own, albeit a solo shot to tie up the ball game.

Then in the eighth Stafford walked and Hunter Ryan pinch ran.  With two outs third baseman Jacob Robinson hit a double, but Ryan tripped twice rounding second and was tagged out a third.

The game went into extra innings with designated hitter A.J. Swader mashing a single into the right centerfield gap plating Jones in the bottom of the tenth.

Relief pitcher Andrew Kribbs earned the victory throwing the final two innings allowing no runs and no hits while striking out two and walking three.

Cleveland State will travel to Motlow State for their next series for a three-game set.  Game one is scheduled for Friday at 1 pm.