Photo by Jean St. Fleur
McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College baseball team found the win column again with a double header sweep of Randall University at home on Tuesday evening.
The offense was the star of the show on Tuesday as the Tigers scored 28 runs on 20 hits including five homeruns.
Game 1: W, 14-11
Game one was a roller coaster for the Tigers. After allowing the Saints an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, the Tigers responded with 11 runs in the second and third innings to lead 11-2 through three innings of play. Then the outscored the Tigers 8-2 in the fourth and fifth innings to cut the deficit to three runs 13-10 through five innings. The Tigers added their 14th run in the sixth and then hung on for dear life as the Saints threatened in the top of the seventh.
The Tigers got the first two outs of the seventh quickly, but then gave up a solo home run to make the score 14-11. With two outs, an error at first base extended the inning. The next batter was hit by a pitch brought the tying run to the plate. He singled down the right field line to load the bases with the go ahead run at the dish. Fortunately, for the Tigers, the Saints' batter went down looking to end the threat.
Hitting: The Tigers scored their 14 runs on 14 hits, highlighted by home runs by Jose Esparza, Carlos Perez, and Justin Taylor.
Pitching: Three different Tigers saw action from the mound against the Saints in game one. Brandon Vegas got the start and picked up the win. He gave the Tigers four strong innings, allowing six runs on three hits with eight strikeouts and five walks. Kacey Parret, and Peyton Ramsey came out of the pen to work the final three innings. Ramsey had a strong outing going two and two-thirds, surrendering just one run while striking out five.
Leaders
Hits: Carlos Perez (3)
Doubles: Jayden Leonhardt (2)
Triples: none
Homeruns: Jose Esparza, Carlos Perez, Justin Taylor (1)
RBI: Carlos Perez (4)
Stolen Bases: Four Tigers (1)
Strikeouts Pitching: Brandon Vegas (8)
Put Outs: Jayden Leonhardt (13)
Assists: Carlos Gusman (3)
Game 2: W, 14-0
In the second game, the offense kept rolling putting up 14 more runs, seven of them coming on homeruns by Esparza, and Chris Escamilla. Defensively, the Tigers were clean all game, and the pitching was superb.
Escamilla got the scoring started, hitting a three run bomb in the bottom of the first inning. The Tigers added another run in the second, then five more in the third, four of those coming on a grand slam by Esparza. They rounded out the day by adding a run in the fourth, and two in each of the last two innings, to make the final score 14-0.
Hitting: The Tigers scored their 14 runs on six hits, highlighted by the two big homeruns.
Pitching: Cody Rohrbough got his first start of the season on the bump for the Tigers, and was dialed in from the start. He pitched a complete game shutout, scattering five hits while striking out seven and walking just one.
Leaders
Hits: Six Tigers (1)
Doubles: Carlos Gusman (1)
Triples: none
Homeruns: Jose Esparza, Chris Escamilla (1)
RBI: Jose Esparza (5)
Stolen Bases: Joseph Gusman, Julius Sifuentes (1)
Strikeouts Pitching: Cody Rohrbough (7)
Put Outs: Jayden Leonhardt , Cam Whittle (7)
Assists: Jose Esparza, Carlos Perez (4)
Coach Quote: "It felt good to get back into the win column. I'm excited for how Cody pitched in his first start of the year, coming back from shoulder issues. Peyton Ramsey picked up his first collegiate, save and continued his development and recovery as well. Offensively we strung together really good competitive at bats with freshman Chris Escamilla adding a home run to his stat line, and senior Carlos Perez hit his first collegiate home run. JJ Esparza continued to swing a hot bat in game two, and Carlos Gusman added his season totals as well. Ultimately, I'm proud of these young men how they've continue to fight when it would be very easy to give up." – Coach Stephen McNett
Next Up: The Tigers will be back on the diamond again on Thursday in another non-conference match up, this time against the Tabor College Bluejays. First pitch is slated for 3:00 pm at Tiger Stadium.
