Wilberforce Takes Series Opening Doubleheader

Wilberforce Takes Series Opening Doubleheader-Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 3-12-24

CRC baseball made the haul up to Wilberforce, OH to take on CAC opponent Wilberforce University in their first conference series of the season. In today's opening doubleheader, the Pioneers would be on the losing side of both contests. 

Game One:

Crowley's Ridge- 6

Wilberforce University-12

Cincinnati, OH- In game one the Pioneer offense out-preformed the hosting team by out-hitting Wilberforce thirteen to eleven but five defensive errors by the Pioneers plagued CRC which played a vital role in their downfall in the opening contest. After an explosive start from the Bulldogs who scored two runs in the bottom of the first, CRC would reclaim the lead in the top frame of the third thanks to freshman Brylan Honeycutt's first college career longball which exited the playing field as a three-run bomb. Drearily this would be the only time CRC held the lead as a fourth-inning error from CRC allowed the Bulldogs to retake the lead and hold their separation over the final three innings. 

Jack Roney took the loss for the Pioneers as the RHP tossed 3.1 innings where he allowed 7 hits and surrendered 7 runs (4 earned). The Pioneers had five players record multiple hits in the loss with Brylan Honeycutt leading the team (2-4)(HR)(3RBI).

Game Two: 

Crowley's Ridge- 3

Wilberforce University- 4

Cincinnati, OH- CRC dramatically fell in game two, 4-3, against Wilberforce as the Bulldogs rallied off three runs in the bottom half of the seventh to walk off the contest with a single to left field. As the Pioneer offense only amassed five hits in game two, they still filled the bases with potential runs as the team collected seven walks and one HBP in the contest but bitterly the Pioneers were only able to see three runs reach home leaving the other ten stranded. CRC's three runs crossed the plate in the second, third, and sixth innings, giving CRC a 3-1 lead going into the last frame but with Wilberforce linking together five of their ten hits in this half-inning, the Bulldogs flipped the tables and the outcome of the contest.

Starting pitcher Chance Arender allowed 3 runs on 7 hits while walking 6 and striking out a season-high 11 Bulldogs in his 6.0 innings of work. Trey Drake was the lone Pioneer with two hits in the loss. 

Up Next: CRC will play Wilberforce in a final doubleheader starting at 11:00 am tomorrow, March 13th. #GOPIONEERS