Chargers Baseball Open TCCAA Play with Series Sweep Over Dyersburg State
The Columbia State Chargers opened TCCAA play in impressive fashion, sweeping a three-game weekend series against the Dyersburg State Eagles on Thursday, Feb. 12, and Friday, Feb. 13, at Dave Hall Field.
Thursday: Chargers Win 12–4 (8 innings)
In the series opener, a scheduled nine-inning contest, the Chargers earned a 12–4 mercy-rule victory, ending the game in the eighth inning. Columbia State tallied 11 hits and received production throughout the lineup.
Julian Richards went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs scored, while Isaac Schafer finished 1-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Holden Warmath added a triple and an RBI, Jordan Akins went 2-for-5 with a run and two RBIs, and Owen Hutcheson contributed a hit and an RBI. Sam Smith had a strong day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run. John Carter launched a home run and drove in two while scoring twice, and Cary Burke chipped in with a hit, a run, and an RBI.
On the mound, Brayden Whitlow worked three innings, allowing four runs (three earned) with one strikeout. Braden Gover tossed two scoreless innings, giving up one hit with a strikeout, and JC Myers closed the game with three innings of relief, recording five strikeouts.
Friday Game One: Chargers Win 5–2
The Chargers carried the momentum into Friday's doubleheader, taking game two of the series by a 5–2 final. Columbia State collected eight hits and again showcased balanced offense.
Richards led the way, going 3-for-4 with a double, a run, and an RBI. Warmath added a hit, a run, and an RBI, while Akins and Hutcheson each scored a run. Smith finished 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI.
Tate Riggs delivered a strong start, pitching 5.1 innings while allowing just one hit and two earned runs, striking out eight. Parker Day secured the win in relief, tossing 1.2 innings and allowing one hit with one strikeout.
Friday Game Two: Chargers Complete the Sweep, 11–4
Columbia State capped the opening TCCAA weekend with an 11–4 win in the finale, pounding out 12 hits and pulling away offensively.
Akins had a standout performance, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two doubles, a home run, three runs scored, and four RBIs. Grant Armour powered the offense with two home runs, finishing 2-for-3 with two runs and four RBIs. Warmath went 2-for-4 with two runs, Smith added a hit and scored twice, and Richards, Whitlow, and Russ Lambert each recorded hits.
On the mound, Noah Taylor earned the win after pitching four innings, allowing three hits and one earned run while striking out five. Logan Johnson added an inning of relief, and Anthony Serrano closed out the game with two innings, striking out three.
With the sweep, the Chargers move to 3–4 overall and 3–0 in TCCAA play. Columbia State will hit the road for a non-conference matchup Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Chattanooga State Tigers.