Fayette, Mo. - The No. 14 Central Methodist Baseball program completed a busy and extended weekend with a perfect day, defeating Columbia College 7-1 followed by a 3-0 shut out over William Woods Monday afternoon at Estes Field.
The Eagles now stand at 10-8 at the end of the non-conference portion of their schedule.
In game one against Columbia College, Central jumped out in front quickly as Jeremy Conforti singled to left field to score Robbie Merced in the bottom of the first inning.
CC would match Central with a run in the top of the third, plating their run on an error by the CMU defense. The Eagles responded instantly in the next half inning, scoring four runs on three hits including a three-run home run to left field by Khalil Thrasher.
Central extended its lead with runs in both the fifth and sixth innings, including an RBI-single from Alan West and an RBI-double from Bobby Nichols.
Sebastian Escobar was masterful on the bump, tossing a complete game and giving up just one run on five hits. He also picked up four strikeouts.
It was a low scoring affair against the Owls, as there were just three total runs scored on eight hits. The Eagles scored all three in the bottom of the third inning, including back-to-back RBI-singles from Conforti and West.
The third and final run of the game came on an error by the William Woods defense which allowed Thrasher to score.
CMU's pitching staff had another solid outing, as Marcus Pritchard got the start on the bump. Pritchard threw 5.1 innings, gave up just one hit and tossed 11 strikeouts.
Justin Guzman came in relief in the sixth, battling through a bases loaded jam to preserve the shut out. Larry Riddle Jr. earned his first save of the year, retiring the Owls in order with three-straight K's to close the game out.
Central opens conference play with a four-game series against Peru State College beginning Saturday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Estes Field.
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