In their fourth game in four days, the Bob Jones University baseball team fell in a 16-10 decision to Columbia International University as their ninth inning rally fell short. The game ended with the Bruins seeing 10 runs on 14 hits and five errors.

"I love seeing what I saw in that final inning. That's the kind of toughness we have," said Head Coach Brent Casteel. "We have really good bats, great pitching, and we have guys that can field a baseball and throw some guys out. So we have what it takes, it's just a matter of them believing in that and knowing they can make it happen."

Today's contest got under way Monday afternoon at Conestee Park in Greenville, South Carolina. Columbia International University wasted no time and recorded three runs in the first inning. Riley Ramsey singled to lead off for the Bruins in the bottom of the first. He advanced to second and then to third base on back to back passed balls. As Angelo Gomez sent the ball up the third baseline, Ramsey ran towards home but was tagged out on a fielder's choice and the Bruins ended the bottom of the first down 3-0. 

After CIU tallied another run in the top of the second, the Bruins battled to get back in the game. With singles by Matthew Wells, Cody Kirkpatrick, and Sam Gonzalez, the bases were loaded. Next up to bat was Zay Brandt. As he hit the ball, an error by the third baseman allowed each runner to advance sending Matthew Wells across home plate for the first run of the evening for BJU. An RBI single from Evan Walker followed by an RBI single by Angelo Gomez would score two more runs for the Bruins in the bottom of the second to cut their deficit to just one. 

Each team recorded another run in the third inning. CIU held the Bruins scoreless through the next two innings as their lead increased to 10-4 heading into the bottom of the sixth. An RBI triple by Evan Walker sent Brandt home putting another run on the scoreboard for the home team. After a pitching change, J.C. Poe hit the ball right back at the pitcher and raced to first safely on a fielder's choice allowing Evan Walker to score one more for Bob Jones. Unfortunately, Poe would be left stranded as Wells struck out at the plate, ending the inning. 

The lead grew for the Rams as they recorded two three run innings in the seventh and ninth. 

Down 16-7 heading into their final at bat, the Bruins looked to rally. Gonzalez ripped one past third base to get on first as he led off for the Bruins. Brandt followed sending the ball towards right field to get on base. Ramsey's shot sailed deep into center field sending both Gonzalez and Brandt home and putting him in scoring position on third base. A wild pitch to Poe allowed Ramsey to race across home plate scoring the 10th run of the night for Bob Jones. 

The rally fell short as the Bruins lost with a 16-10 decision to the Rams.

"Tonight we had many walks and gave up many free bases, and I think it's them not believing in the ability God gave them," said Casteel. "All we can do is go back and keep working at it. If they keep doing it, eventually it's going to be consistent, and they're going to believe it, and a few wins will certainly help." 

With today's loss, the Bruins now sit at 0-7 on the season. Up next, they travel to Greensboro, North Carolina for a three game weekend series at Guilford College.



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