Cleveland State Baseball split their season-opening doubleheader with Columbia State in Columbia, Tenn. on Tuesday.

Game 1-

The first game of the set featured offensive firepower from both teams, with the Cougars taking the 20-13 edge over the Chargers. Ryan McCarthy shined in his Cleveland State debut, going two-for-four with four RBI and four runs scored. Both Stokes Needham and Jacob Robinson had three RBI a piece, with Needham going two-for-three with four runs scored and two walks and Robinson one-for-three with a run scored and three walks. Lance Dockery also scored three runs and walked twice in his season debut.

Kaleb Orr started the season opener for the Cougars, allowing four earned runs while striking out four batters over three and two-thirds innings. Owen Clark also struck out the lone batter he faced in his Cougars' debut.

Game 2-

The second game of the set, the Cougars suffered a tough 10-0 loss in five-innings at the hands of Ethan Wright and Raleigh Odle's no-hit pitching effort for the Chargers. McCarthy spoiled Columbia State's perfect game bid, securing a walk in the contest. 

Javier Favela pitched well out of the bullpen in his season debut, allowing just one earned run and striking out a batter in one and a third innings of relief.

Cleveland State will be back in action against Columbia State again tomorrow, this time playing host in Cleveland, Tenn. The doubleheader against the Chargers is set to begin at 12:00 PM.

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