BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The Bluefield University Rams baseball dropped a back-and-forth extra-inning contest to Columbia International University Rams baseball, 12–11, Friday evening at Bowen Field.
CIU struck first with two runs in the opening inning and added four more in the second to build a 6–0 advantage.
Bluefield began to chip away in the second inning, scoring twice after Cody Crafton was hit by a pitch and Sean Cherry singled to set up a pair of unearned runs following a throwing error.
The Rams continued the rally in the third when Jordan Ramsey doubled down the left-field line and later scored on an RBI double from Chris Johnson. Cherry followed with a two-run home run to left field, cutting the deficit to 6–5.
CIU added a run in the fourth, but BU surged ahead with a three-run fifth inning. Cherry and Dylan Dotson reached base before Max McGlothlin drove in a run on a fielder's choice. An error tied the game, and Ramsey delivered an RBI single to give the Rams their first lead at 8–7.
Bluefield added two more runs in the sixth. Cherry drove in a run with a single before Dotson reached on an error that allowed another run to score, extending the lead to 10–7.
CIU answered with two runs in the seventh and tied the game in the eighth on an RBI double and a sacrifice fly to even the score at 11–11. The visitors pushed across the decisive run in the top of the 10th following a fielding error.
Cherry led BU offensively with a four-hit performance that included a home run, three RBIs, and four runs scored. Ramsey added three hits and an RBI, while Johnson recorded two hits and two RBIs.
Brandon Poole started on the mound for the Rams, with Raymond Smith, Brent Avery, and Riley Ruiz appearing in relief.
Bluefield and CIU will conclude the series Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m. at Bowen Field.
