Sterling, Kan. – The Central Christian College baseball team played their first mid-week game of the season this past week, going on the road to take on the Sterling College Warriors. The Tigers took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the 3^rd, but surrendered the advantage, giving up two to the Warriors in the bottom of the 4^th. The Tigers tied in in the top of the 5^th, but then allowed two run to Sterling in the bottom half of the inning. In the sixth and seventh innings, the two teams went back and forth, each scoring a single run in their at bats. There was no scoring in the final inning and a half, and the Tigers left town with a 6-4 loss.

Hitting: The Tigers scored their four runs on five hits, led by a 2 for 3 performance from Justin Ricketts. The Tigers had three extra-base hits, all doubles, and two of them by Ricketts.

Pitching: The Tigers sent six different pitchers to the bump in the nine inning game. Ryan McFarland got the start and worked the first three innings. He threw a gem, shutting out the Warriors, and surrendering just one hit. He finished with two strikeouts and no walks. Unfortunately the bullpen was unable to keep up where McFarland left off. The other five pitchers allowed six runs on six five hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. Ultimately, Colt Gniech was collared with the loss.

Leaders

Hits:                                    Justin Ricketts (2)
Doubles:                             Justin Ricketts (2)
Triples:                                none
Homeruns:                        none
RBI:                                      Three Tigers (1)
Stolen Bases:                    Justin "JT" Taylor (2)
Strikeouts Pitching:        Ryan McFarland, Colt Gniech (2)

Coach Quote:
 
Next Up: The Tigers (3-6) will be back on the road this upcoming weekend for a four game series against Ecclesia College in Springdale Arkansas. The Tigers and Royals will square off on Friday and Saturday starting at 12:00 pm.