Columbus East High School

The Columbus East Olympians closed out the regular season on a winning note Tuesday evening at Olympian Field, rallying past Indianapolis Lutheran for an 11-8 victory in a game filled with momentum swings, timely hitting, and clutch pitching. After jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, the Olympians had to battle back after the Saints answered with a five-run second inning to take control early. Columbus East never folded, however, steadily chipping away before erupting for a three-run fourth and a four-run fifth to secure the win. Leading the offensive charge was Emmett Harden, who turned in a perfect night at the plate. The Olympian shortstop went 3-for-3 with three RBI and a walk, delivering key run-scoring hits in the third, fourth, and fifth innings. Harden’s two-run single in the fourth inning gave East a 7-6 advantage, helping swing the momentum permanently back toward the home dugout. Peyton Asher provided a huge lift on the mound in relief. Entering during the third inning with the Olympians trailing, Asher settled things down and delivered four strong innings, allowing three runs while striking out four and walking none to earn the victory. He also helped himself defensively, teaming up on two double plays behind him as the Olympians played error-free baseball. Columbus East showed patience at the plate all night, drawing 12 walks while piling up nine hits. The Olympians also created pressure on the bases, stealing four bags and taking advantage of multiple passed balls and wild pitches. Ryker Stott sparked the offense from the leadoff spot, scoring three runs while doubling and drawing two walks. Aiden Bumbalough reached base three times with a hit and two walks while driving in a run. Landyn Jewell scored twice and added an RBI single during the decisive fifth inning surge. JD Rotert created havoc on the bases with three walks, three stolen bases, and three runs scored. He later came on in the seventh inning to close the door and earned the save. Rotert also started a game-ending double play in the top of the seventh, combining with Logun Rager and Bige Asher to finish off the Saints. Bige Asher added a key RBI single during the fourth inning comeback and finished with a hit, two walks, and an RBI. Paxton Thompson contributed a double and scored a run, while Zander Weatherford added a hit and a walk. After trailing 6-3 entering the bottom of the fourth, the Olympians mounted one of their biggest rallies of the season. Walks by Stott and Bumbalough set the stage before Jewell was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Bige Asher followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit to one, and Harden delivered the biggest blow of the inning with a two-run single to center that gave East a 7-6 lead. The Olympians continued to pour it on in the fifth inning. RBI hits from Jewell and Harden, combined with aggressive baserunning and patient at-bats, helped East stretch the lead to 11-6 before holding off a late Lutheran push. Defensively, Columbus East was sharp throughout the evening, committing no errors and turning two double plays. The Olympians finished the regular season with a complete team effort and momentum heading into postseason play. Post season play: The Olympians will compete in IHSAA Sectional #14 hosted by Columbus North High School. The O's play in the semi-final round on Friday, May 29th vs. the East Central Trojans. First pitch: 6 p.m. If the Olympians win on Friday, they will play in the IHSAA Sectional Championship on Monday, June 1st starting at 6 p.m. Good luck Olympians!