Columbus East High School

The Columbus East varsity baseball team faced a tough battle against HHC opponent, Bedford North-Lawrence, with runs scored against them in the 3rd, 4th, and 6th innings. Bedford's starting pitcher, Walker Ward, maintained control for six innings, allowing Bedford to gain a 5-0 lead by the bottom of the 7th. Despite the pressure, the Olympians prevented Bedford from scoring in the top of the 7th, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback With Bedford's Ward reaching 102 pitches, they swapped pitchers for the 7th inning, giving Columbus East an opportunity. Bige Asher kicked off the inning with a solid hit, advancing to third base on wild pitches. Carson Williams followed, getting hit by a pitch, then AJ Tindell's fielders choice led to the O's first out. Subsequent walks to Logan Warren, Marcus Wilkinson, and Chase Niese loaded the bases, prompting Bedford to change pitchers. However, the O's continued to press, with Jackson Watkins getting hit by a pitch and Blake Borkhardt intentionally walked to load the bases for a force out. Senior Evan Balzer stepped up, delivering a crucial single, tying the game. The O's took a risk, sending Jackson Watkins from second to home on Balzer's hit, resulting in a thrilling play at the plate. Watkins slid in just as the ball arrived, and a fumble by the catcher allowed him to score, securing a 6-5 victory for the O's. Pitching-wise, Sophomore Stone Myers started, pitching 3.1 innings, allowing 4 runs, with only two earned, and securing 4 strikeouts and 2 walks. Junior Eli Tindell relieved Myers, pitching 3.2 innings, allowing one earned run, with 6 strikeouts and two walks. At bat, the O's managed only 4 hits but drew 8 walks throughout the game: - Chase Niese: 1 walk, 1 RBI - Jackson Watkins: 2 hits in 3 at-bats, 1 RBI, hit by pitch - AJ Tindell: 1 RBI, 1 walk - Marcus Wilkinson: 1 walk - Blake Borkhardt: 1 RBI, hit by pitch - Carson Williams: hit by pitch - Evan Huckaby: 1 walk - Evan Balzer: 1 hit in 4 at-bats, 2 RBIs - Bige Asher: 1 hit in 3 at-bats The O's host another Hoosier Hills opponent, the Jennings County Panthers, tonight(4/25) with a start time of 5:30 p.m. Good luck O's!