Cleveland State went to Columbia State for a three-game series, but couldn't bring a win back home.
The Cougars (27-15, 10-11) lost by a run to the Chargers (27-11, 17-4) in each of the first two games of the series, and dropped the final game 12-4.
Game One
The first game of the series was a slugfest with Columbia State pulling it out 15-14.
Each team scored twice in the first inning, then the Chargers opened the flood gates in the third putting up eight knocking out the typically reliable Cleveland State starter Cooper Casteel (3-1), handing him his first loss of the season. He lasted 2.1 innings allowing seven earned runs on three hits while striking out four, but walking five batters. The Chargers third baseman and third batter Charlie Davis homered twice off Casteel.
Columbia State's starter Dylan Kazee (4-0) didn't fare much better going 3.1 innings allowing four earned runs on five hits while striking out five and walking four, but he did earn the victory.
In the fourth inning the Cougars scored five runs including a three-run homer off the bat of Cannon Stafford. Columbia State scored a couple more in the bottom of the fourth before the Cougars put up three to keep it interesting over the next few innings.
The Chargers scored three insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth and it proved to be necessary as Cleveland State scored four in the top of the ninth and came a base hit away from taking the lead with runners on second and third in scoring position to end the game.
Combined the teams put together 25 hits and walked 17 times.
Bryson Trammell and Hunter Ryan each scored three times. Trammell, Evan Goins and Ty Nettles each drove in two runs. Nate Dunfee and Webb doubled.
Game Two
Game two of the series saw better pitching, but ultimately the same result occurred with the Chargers winning by a run again, this time by a score of 4-3.
Andrew Kribbs pitched 4.2 innings before being pulled allowing four earned runs on two hits while striking out nine and walking four.
The Chargers scored the games first run in the bottom of the third, then put up another three in the bottom of the fourth. The Cougars scored one in each of the final three innings of the game, but came up just short.
Stafford and Dunfee each doubled. Webb, Stafford and Ryan drove in the three runs.
Game Three
The game was closer than the final score, but the Cougars lost 12-4.
Cleveland State scored first in the fourth inning on a solo homerun by Trammell.
The Chargers then put up four in the fifth and another eight in the sixth inning to put the game out of reach.
Trammell also doubled along with De'Yon Cannon, who drove in a run. Dunfee tripled and also had an RBI.
Next Up
Cleveland State looks to get back on track when they hit the field next on Wednesday when they travel to Carson Newman to face their JV squad in a double header. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
The Cougars return home on Friday hosting first place Walters State (36-10, 18-3) in a three-game weekend conference series. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
