Columbus East High School

JASPER, IN A five-run third inning proved to be the difference as the Columbus East Olympians picked up a strong 5-2 victory over Valparaiso on Saturday at the Jasper Invitational. After two scoreless frames, the Olympians exploded in the bottom of the third. Senior Eli Tindell led the charge, going a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with a run scored and an RBI. Freshman Landyn Jewell and senior Logan Warren each chipped in clutch RBI singles to keep the rally alive. In all, Columbus East racked up six hits in the game and capitalized on a key error by the Vikings to take control early. On the mound, sophomore J.D. Rotert turned in a strong start, tossing five innings while allowing just two hits and one earned run. He struck out five and worked around five walks to earn the win. Junior Kaden Arnholt came out of the bullpen and was lights out, recording the save with two hitless innings and three strikeouts to shut the door on Valpo. Defensively, the Olympians were sharp, turning three double plays and committing just one error over seven innings of play. Columbus East’s infield, anchored by Warren and Bige Asher, was especially steady under pressure. Valparaiso managed just two hits on the afternoon, despite drawing seven walks. Maximus Reaume and Trevor Fenters provided the only hits for the Vikings, who scored single runs in the third and fifth innings but couldn’t mount a serious comeback against the Olympians' pitching duo. The Olympians will look to build off this strong showing as they gear up for the next round of tournament action when they play the home team, Jasper Wildcats, at 6 p.m.