Columbus East High School

OLYMPIAN FIELD - A sunny evening paired with a cool, stiff northwesterly wind set the stage Wednesday night at Olympian Field, where the Columbus East Olympians turned in a complete performance in a 6-1 victory over the Greensburg Pirates. Columbus East pounded out 11 hits, played solid defense with just one error, and received dominant work on the mound from Kaden Arnholt, JD Rotert, and Ryker Stott to improve with another strong late-season performance. The Olympians broke through in the bottom of the third inning after applying pressure offensively. Paxton Thompson lined an RBI single to center field before Bige Asher followed with an RBI single down the left field line, helping East build a 3-0 advantage. The Olympians added two more runs in the fourth inning and another in the sixth to put the game away. Arnholt delivered one of his best all-around performances of the season. The right-hander earned the win after allowing no runs on four hits over three innings while striking out two and walking one. He also starred at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with a walk, two RBIs, and the game’s lone extra-base hit — a ringing triple in the fourth inning. After Arnholt exited, Rotert took command on the mound and overpowered the Pirates lineup. The Olympian reliever allowed just one hit across three innings while striking out five. Greensburg’s lone run against him was unearned. Stott then closed the door in the seventh inning with a scoreless frame, striking out one. Combined, the Olympian pitching staff allowed only five hits and no earned runs while striking out eight Pirates hitters. East’s lineup produced quality at-bats from top to bottom. Logun Rager scored twice and went 1-for-3 from the leadoff spot, while Thompson finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. Asher added a pair of hits and an RBI, Landyn Jewell went 2-for-3 and scored once, and Jacob Huffman continued his strong play with a 2-for-3 evening and two runs scored. Rotert also contributed in other ways, drawing two walks and stealing a base, while East stranded nine runners and consistently kept pressure on the Pirates throughout the evening. Columbus East will now turn its attention to a rivalry showdown Friday night against Columbus North High School. First pitch against the Bulldogs is scheduled for 7 p.m., although the forecast currently calls for showers and rain moving into the area around game time and continuing into early Saturday morning.