No. 6 Central State delivered a resounding statement in conference play over the weekend, sweeping No. 18 Southern Tech in a three-game series at Cooper Field. Central State showcased late-inning composure on Friday and unleashed an offensive barrage over the remainder of the series.
The Bulldogs kicked off the weekend with a dramatic 5-4 comeback victory, followed by a convincing 6-1 win on Saturday to clinch the series, and capped off the sweep with a 7-1 rout on Sunday.
Friday’s opener saw Southern Tech take an early lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run from Carter Jennings. Central State seized control in the sixth, beginning with an RBI single from Eli Turner to tie the game, an RBI double by Mason Reed down the left-field line, and then capitalizing on a costly Southern Tech error to move ahead 3-1. Southern Tech responded in the seventh when Logan Pierce blasted a three-run homer, reclaiming a 4-3 advantage.
With rain beginning to fall in the ninth, Central State rallied once more. A single and a double set the stage for pinch hitter Marcus Wells, who delivered a go-ahead RBI triple to push the Bulldogs on top for good. Reliever Ryan Matthews closed it out on the mound, striking out four and not allowing a hit over the final two innings to secure the win.
Final Score: Central State 5, Southern Tech 4
Saturday’s contest remained scoreless through two innings before Central State broke through on a solo home run by Jack Sawyer in the third. The Bulldogs extended their lead in the fourth and broke the game open in the sixth, thanks to home runs from freshman Derek Mason and senior Hunter Lane, making it 6-0. Southern Tech managed its only run in the bottom of the sixth but left 11 runners stranded throughout the game, unable to muster the timely hits needed.
Final Score: Central State 6, Southern Tech 1
The series finale on Sunday saw Central State waste no time. Leadoff hitter Cameron Tate doubled in the first, and Turner followed with a two-run home run. Southern Tech got on the board in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single from Brady Wallace, but that would be their only run of the day.
Central State continued to pile on with mid-game home runs from Derek Mason and Alex Foster. Sawyer added the exclamation point with a solo shot to center in the ninth.
Final Score: Central State 7, Southern Tech 1
Central State rides a wave of momentum into its next matchup, hosting North Valley State at home on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Southern Tech will look to bounce back in a Tuesday home contest against Westwood College, with first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m.
