Pioneers Take Series Against Randall University

Pioneers Take Series Against Randall University- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 2-24-24

Game Three:

Crowley's Ridge- 3

Randall University- 5

Paragould, Ark.- CRC entered today's contest in high hopes of claiming their first series sweep of the season as they bested the Saints in both contests yesterday afternoon, but in today's opening contest the Pioneers would have a sluggish start that would wreck the chance of a series sweep. Chance Arender got the all-clear from Head Coach Brenden Camp as the junior got his first start of the season. In his season debut, Arender struggled to find the strike zone in the opening inning of the game allowing the Saints to capitalize by scoring three runs before CRC could gain control and get out of the jam. These three runs proved to verify the lead RU needed to maintain the score gap and claim the contest. In reality, the Pioneers played well for the remainder of the contest but the damage inflicted in the opening inning would be the difference maker for the game. Randall University scored two more runs, one in the second, and one in the fourth to take a 5-0 lead before CRC could manufacture any runs themselves. CRC's only offensive effort came in the bottom of the fifth where juniors Adonis Thomas and Matthew Parker drove in CRC's three runs of the contest. Arender took the loss allowing 5 runs on 7 hits while walking 3 and striking out 6 over 4.0 innings of work. Sophomore Mike Sharp relieved Arender for the last 3.0 innings and the Rivercrest High School alumnus didn't allow a hit while walking one and striking out two. Adonis Thomas and Trey Drake led the team with two hits each, and Matthew Parker was the RBI leader with two in the loss. 

Game Four:

Crowley's Ridge- 3

Randall University- 2

Paragould, Ark.- For the second time this series, the Pioneers would sneak out a three-to-two victory over the Saints with a last-minute rally from the offense, this one coming in game four to close out the day and claim the series. Senior Andrew Brown got his second start of the season for CRC and kept his record flawless with a commanding effort in the final contest as the southpaw tossed 6.0 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and striking out 5 for an honest day's work. The Pioneers only had four hits in the contest, their lowest of the series, but managed to use their hits in critical moments when they needed them the most. James Wilson brought in the first run of the contest with his RBI single in the bottom of the first giving Brown and CRC the lead. Just a few pitchers later Josh Schmitt crossed the plate, scoring after a mishandled grounder by the Saints' second baseman. Randall University would end the inning before CRC would do any more damage and then proceed to tie the contest by scoring one Saint in the second and third innings all the while keeping the Pioneer offense quiet. The clutch factor in lifting CRC above RU would come from in the form of junior JackHenry Glasgow. With James Wilson reaching base to start the bottom of the 6th and courtesy runner Blake Wilson advancing to third with the use of his legs, Wilson, the go-ahead-run, coasted to the plate as Glasgow belted the team's final hit of the contest with an RBI double to right center. Junior Adonis Thomas relieved Brown, shutting the door in the 7th giving CRC the game-four win while collecting his first save of the season. 

Up Next: CRC baseball will host Ecclesia College at home on Friday, March 1st, and Saturday, March 2nd for a 4-game series. #GOPIONEERS