COUGARS OUTLAST PELLISSIPPI 11-10 IN HIGH SCORING THRILLER
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 2 |
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0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | X | 11 | 16 | 2 |
Cleveland State Community College rallied through the middle innings and withstood a late push to defeat Pellissippi State Community College, 11–10, Friday afternoon at Cougar Field in a nine-inning back-and-forth battle.
Pellissippi State jumped out early, scoring two runs in the first and adding another in the second to take an early lead. Cleveland State answered steadily, beginning with a run in the second and third innings before erupting for four runs in the fourth to seize momentum.
The Cougars' offense was balanced and relentless, producing 16 hits and runs from up and down the lineup. Hitting in the heart of the order, Nelson McKnight delivered a strong performance from the five spot, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored and two walks, consistently applying pressure on the Panthers' pitching staff.
Jaxon Humble delivered one of the biggest offensive performances of the day, finishing 3-for-4 with three doubles and three RBIs, including a key two-run double during the Cougars' fourth-inning surge.
Power showed up as well. Kwade Carver crushed a two-run home run and finished 2-for-5 with two RBIs, while Owen Phillips added a clutch two-run homer and reached base three times. Jon Jon Read doubled twice, drove in a run, and played steady defense at shortstop, while Nolan Sergeant chipped in a pair of hits and an RBI.
Behind the plate, Evan Leonard reached base three times, scored twice, and handled a busy afternoon defensively. In the outfield, Hank Adams collected two hits, and Nate Severance added a hit, a walk, and a run scored while covering ground in center field.
On the mound, Max Owens got the start for Cleveland State, working four innings and battling through traffic while keeping the Cougars within striking distance. Anthony Biondo earned the win in relief, striking out eight over four innings and limiting Pellissippi State's scoring opportunities during a critical stretch of the game. JC Armour bridged the gap late, and Torrey Robinson slammed the door, striking out the final batter to secure his second save of the season.
Pellissippi State made things interesting late, scoring five runs across the eighth and ninth innings, but Cleveland State's bullpen held firm when it mattered most.
Following the win, Head Coach Aaron Bryant credited his team's resilience and depth. "That was a complete team effort," Bryant said. "We had contributions from a lot of different guys offensively, and our bullpen showed toughness when the game got tight late. These are the kinds of wins that build confidence and reveal the character of your team."
With the victory, Cleveland State improves to 13–6 overall and 6–1 in conference play, continuing its strong start to the season as the Cougars look to build momentum moving forward.
