CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Like it had done the night before, Cleveland jumped on top of archrival Bradley Central early on its way to a sweep of the home-and-home series.
After notching a 4-1 win on Monday, the Blue Raiders came right back Tuesday for a 5-3 tally to earn their 10th win of the young campaign.
Despite knocking just four hits and drawing a free pass, Cleveland was able to make the most of four Bear errors, at Bill Talley Stadium.
Both teams will participate in the annual Joe Adams Classic this weekend.
Cleveland (10-5) will host East Hamilton and Ooltewah Friday at 5 and 8 p.m., plus face Combine Academy (N.C.) at noon Saturday.
Bradley (8-7) will entertain Providence Academy at 2 Friday afternoon, plus Rabun Gap (Ga.) Saturday at 2:45 and McCallie at 5.
RAIDERS 5, BEARS 3: Cleveland struck first, putting up a pair of runs in the bottom of the second inning.
A one-out walk and a stolen base by Collin Stuart set the stage as he scored on a one-out single by Sam Coleman, who later came home on a passed ball.
Both teams complete the circuit once in the third frame as Jadon Griffey drew a base on balls and also came in on a passed ball for Bradley, while a two-out error, followed by a RBI-double off the bat of Caden Tippins accounted for the Raider run.
Cleveland tacked on a solo score in its fourth at bat as well when an error, a hit batsman and another two-out hit by River Briggs plated Stuart, who reached on the miscue.
The sixth inning also saw both clubs circle the bases as Tyler Cook got "plunked" and back-to-back singles Carson Stott and Bronson Stone jammed the sacks before Colby Stott drew a pinch-hit RBI free pass for the visitors.
The home team put its final run on the board thanks to a two-out single by Coleman, who advanced to third on an errant pick off attempt and scored when the fourth Bear miscue let Charley Atha reach base safely.
Bradley tried to rally in the top of the seventh, but a a one-out single by Cleveland State signee Jaxon Humble, followed by a double by Cook led to just one run before the Stuart struck out the final two Bear batters.
Owen Goglio started on the mound for the Raiders and earned the pitching victory with 5.1 innings of work, striking out 10, while scattering four hits, three walks and a hit batsman.
Stuart came on face nine batters, earning the save with four Ks, while allowing a base on balls and three hits.
Splitting three innings apiece, Cook took the loss despite striking out a half dozen and allowing just two hits and one earned run, while Drake Allen had 3 Ks, also surrendering just a pair of hits an no earned runs.
While Coleman went 2-for-2 with a RBI, a stolen base and scoring twice for the victors, Humble had a pair of hits and "walked the line" in four plate appearances for the visitors.
Carson Stott and Griffey both got on base twice with a hit and walk each.
GAME SUMMARY
Tuesday, March 18
at Bill Talley Stadium
Bradley Central 001 001 1 — 3 7 4
Cleveland 021 101 x — 5 4 0
Cook, Allen (4) and Cross; Goglio, Stuart (5) and Tippens.
Records: Cleveland 10-5; Bradley Central 6-6.