
Head Coach Aaron Bryant Gets First Win In Series Opener
Aaron Bryant got his first win as Cleveland State's head baseball coach in the Cougars series opener today.
"Glad to get that one done," Bryant said. "They played us very tough, it was a good all-around team win."
In a back-and-forth game Cleveland State edged out Vincennes University 7-6.
The Cougars (1-5) started strong putting four runs on the board in the bottom of the first with Daniel Reyes doubling driving in one.
The Trail Blazers (0-1) answered with three in the top of the second with two coming from a home run by shortstop Bryce Gross. In the bottom half of the second the Cougars shortstop Brogan Jones tripled, then scored on a wild pitch.
Vincennes tied the game at five in the top of the fifth scoring twice, then took the lead in the seventh when second baseman Bradyn Douglas doubled and scored when Jevan Andrews singled him home.
Down one headed to the bottom of the eighth third baseman Evan Goins walked putting the tying run on base. The right fielder Riley Mahan faked a bunt, pulled back and swung hitting a line drive over the right fielder's head doubling and moving Goins to third. Second baseman Jon Jon Read hit a sacrifice fly to right field scoring Goins to tie the game.
Caleb Gipson pinch ran for Mahan, and stole third on what was a controversial call that was challenged by the Trail Blazers head coach, but ultimately resulted in a stolen base. Jones then hit a single to put the Cougars ahead a run.
Eric Enerlich came in to close for Cleveland State pitching the final inning striking out two, walking one and allowing no runs or hits to lead the Cougars to their first win of the year.
Tyler Pickens earned the victory pitching innings six, seven and eight allowing one run on three hits while striking out six and not walking a batter.
"We really pitched well out of the bullpen," Bryant said. "Hopefully we can keep it rolling and pick up some more wins this weekend."
Games two and three of the series will be played Saturday with first pitch scheduled for noon. The last game of the four-game series will be Sunday also starting at noon.
Edwin Bear
Cleveland State Community College
Sports Information/Media Relations