Cleveland State improved to 5-1 after sweeping Vincennes University in Friday’s afternoon doubleheader.
The Cougars defeated Vincennes 8-2 in Game 1 and then picked up a 7-1 win in Game 2.
Cleveland State’s pitching held the Blazers to just seven hits in the doubleheader, four in the first game and three in the second.
“It was good to get a sweep. We had great starting pitchers with Jake Rogers in Game 1 and Hooper Mills in Game 2. They did a good job of staying in command of both games,” Cougars head coach Mike Policastro declared.
“We swung the bats well again today up and down the lineup, and played good defense. We will try to sweep the series on Saturday with Grant Crosby on the mound.”
Cleveland State goes for the series sweep at noon on Saturday.
GAME 1
After putting up four runs in the first inning and two in the second, Cleveland State had a 6-0 lead over Vincennes.
The Blazers were unable to get on the scoreboard until the fourth inning, where they cut the Cougars’ lead to 6-1. Vincennes notched another run in the fifth inning, making it a 6-2 game.
The Cougars scored two final runs in the sixth inning, which gave them their final score of 8-2.
Jordan Ransom hit a double in the game, was 2-for-4 at the plate and scored two runs. Chase Fullington had two RBI and went 2-for-3. Hagan Kennedy also was 2-for-3 at the plate with a RBI.
Sean McDermott, Billy Brand, John Sharpe and Brett Browning all had one RBI apiece in the first game.
Rogers pitched all seven innings, striking out eight batters and giving up only four hits and two runs.
GAME 2
Cleveland State scored four runs in the second inning to take a 4-0 lead. Payne scored the Cougars first run on an error by the Blazer centerfielder. Elliot doubled to drive in two teammates, then later scored on a wild pitch.
Vincennes picked up their first and only run in the top of the fourth, which was answered by three more runs from the Cougars in the bottom of the fourth.
Mills pitched a complete game, striking out seven Blazers and gave up only three hits and one run.
Trent Elliott had a double and two RBI in the game, scored two runs and was 1-for-2 at the plate. Devin Gardner, Trey Vanderpool and McDermott each had a RBI in the second game. Noah Hill went 2-for-3 at the plate and scored two runs. Joey Roberson also scored two runs.