Buffs take AAC series with doubleheader split at CIU

COLUMBIA, SC. (February 18, 2023) – Milligan baseball split its games on Saturday against Columbia International and won the series 2-1 over the weekend.

Milligan rises to 10-3 on the season while Columbia moves to 2-5.

Game 1 – Columbia International 4, Milligan 2

Milligan looked promising to start the game as Anthony Guzman and Braden Spano reached scoring positions after Casey Haire was hit by a pitch with two outs. The Buffs were unable to capitalize with the bases loaded and were forced at second to close the inning.

The Rams responded quickly with the first run of the game being an RBI single thanks to a fielder's choice. The Rams put up another pair of runs in the same inning by way of an two-RBI single to right field to lead 3-0.

With two outs in the second, Brandon Marello smacked a single to drive home the Buffs first run. The Buffs defense held strong in the bottom of the inning and put three straight batters away.

Milligan showed signs of scoring again in the fifth as Marello and Ángel Lobo both reached base. However, Columbia put together three straight outs to leave the runners stranded. The following inning saw a pair of runs for each team. Milligan scored on a wild pitch that allowed Gage Huffman to reach home from third to make the score 3-2. Columbia reached home by way of an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth to lead 4-2.

The Buffs final attempt to take the lead came in the top of the ninth, but they fell short as they grounded out to third, flied out to left field, and grounded to second. Milligan out-hit Columbia 10-3 and left 13 runners on base.

Patrick Collins was the starting pitcher on the mound and threw 5.2 innings. He faced 24 batters, struck out seven, and gave up four earned runs. He is credited with the loss and moves to 1-1 on the season.

Game 2 – Milligan 10, Columbia International 5

Marello started the game with a single to third base. He then stole second and reached third on a throwing error by the pitcher. He was left stranded as the next two batters struck out and grounded to second, respectively. The Buffs retired the bottom of the inning after facing just three batters. This was thanks to a strikeout, a throw out at second, and a fly out to center field.

Caleb Berry was able to steal third with no outs in the second. He then opened up scoring when he reached home as Logan Hullette grounded out to first. The Buffs defense was able to put away the first seven batters they faced, two of which were struck out.

Berry reached scoring position once again in the fourth after a throwing error by the third baseman. He then advanced to third on a groundout and gave the Buffs a 2-0 lead as he reached home on a passed ball.

With a lone out in the bottom of the fourth, the Rams were able to load the bases after a pair of walks and a single. Marello struck out the next two batters he faced and retired the side.

Milligan loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth. It was able to capitalize as Lobo was walked, advancing Jaden Steagall home. The scoring continued as more runners were driven home by way of a two-run single to left field by Anthony Guzman and and a two-run double by Berry to lead 7-0.

Columbia cut Milligan's lead ot 7-4 in the fifth. Three of these runs came with the bases loaded, and one was unearned. Vince LaConte stepped up to the mound after this and was able to retire the side as he struck out the final batter.

Andrew Mathias struck backin the sixth inning with a two run homer to strecth Milligan's edge to 9-4. The Buffs then scored their final run of the game as Jack Sutton hit a sacrifice fly to drive home Anthony Guzman. The Rams brought one run home on an RBI single, but ultimately fell short of a comeback.

Marello was giving the start for the game. He faced 16 batters, struck out five, and gave up three hits and no runs. He is credited with the win and improves to 2-0 this season.

LaConte came in for relief with two outs in the bottom of the fifth. He tossed 2.1 innings, faced 10 batters, and was credited with his first save on the year.

The Buffs return to play this Tuesday as they host Bluefield (VA). First pitch is slated for 5 p.m.