The Red Ravens squared off against conference opponent Labette Cardinals in a four game series. The wins improve their overall record to 19-16 and 12-12 in conference.
Game 1: CCC 11 Labette 7
In his first game back since spraining his ankle against Cowley, sophomore centerfielder Antonio Culotta lead off the series with a line drive home run to left centerfield at Labette. The home run was his second of the year.
With a 1-0 lead, the Red Ravens sent staff ace, Gavin Heltemes, to the mound. In the first inning, Heltemes wasn't able to protect the lead giving up three runs. Heading into the bottom of the second inning, head coach Jake Martin noticed something wasn't quite right with his starter so he took a mound visit. The visit cautionary visit proved to be spot on as he and the trainers discovered Heltemes was pitching with a displaced rib. The sophomore tried valiantly to stay in the game and compete for his team, but not having full range of motion made it impossible to continue.
Martin went to his bullpen and pulled Kannon McCune in for relief. The sophomore utility player proved to be exactly what the Red Ravens needed. He would go 2.2 innings pitched, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and securing the win; his first of his collegiate career.
Offensively, freshman second baseman Zac Freeman added a home run and four RBI to the game. Freeman wasn't the only freshman to produce for the Red Ravens as first baseman Jorge Ortiz would go 2/3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored and Blake Carroll would have another standout game going 2/3, 1 RBI and 3 runs scored.
Sophomore shortstop Damon Jorgenson also added a 2/4 day with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored.
Slamming the door shut on the mound was sophomore Garon Johnson who would go 2.1 innings pitched, allowing 1 hit, while striking out 3 for the save.
Game 2: CCC 18 Labette 8
In game two of the doubleheader, the Red Raven offense again stole the show. Jorgenson once again stole the show--or at least shared the spotlight--at the plate. The sophomore would go 3/5 with 2 home runs (including 1 grand slam), 5 RBI, 3 runs scored, and a stolen base. Making sure that he wouldn't be forgotten for his power, Ortiz also went 3/5 with 2 home runs, 4 RBI, 3 runs scored, a double, and a walk.
On the mound, red shirt freshman Hunter McMahon produced a solid outing going 5 innings pitched, with 5 strikeouts, and allowing 4 runs. The outing was his first collegiate victory.
The offense continued to pour in as Zac Freeman would go 2/3 with a double and 2 RBI and Carroll shined going 3/6 with 5 RBI and 2 runs scored.
Game 3: CCC 6 Labette 5
**Walk off Alert
Starting the game for the Red Ravens was freshman left handed pitcher Quentin "Louisiana" Romero. Louisiana would go 5 innings pitched allowing 3 earned runs (4 overall) and striking out 3. The freshman was able to pitch around bloop singles and force contact when he found himself in a jam. The freshman has been outstanding for the Red Ravens this year.
Offensively, the Red Ravens were held in check--compared to the first two games of the series. The offense was facing a difficult day to hit as temperatures were in the low 40's to start the game.
Jorgenson again put the offense on his shoulders going 1/3 with 3 RBI and a double.
Garon Johnson came in the 6th inning with runners on first and third. The sophomore had been lights out all year, but gave up three runs to allow Labette to tie the game up at 5.
In the bottom of the 7th, Ortiz would step up to the plate. The freshman, with ice in his vains (and on his fingers), would drill a ball into the right centerfield gap to score the winning run!
Game 4: CCC 10 Labette 0
Looking for their first conference sweep of the year, freshman Aaron Bechtel took the mound for the Red Ravens. The freshman would give the team the best start of the series going 7 innings, allowing 5 hits, 0 runs, and striking out 7. The freshman showed poise and awareness as he attacked hitters all day long, many times overpowering them with his fastball. The win was Bechtel's second win of the year and second conference win.
Culotta capped his series off in an impressive fashion going 4/5, 2 doubles, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, and a stolen base. Ortiz finished strong as well going 3/4 with an RBI and 1 run scored.
Joining the offensive party was sophomore third/first baseman Tyler Brown. Brown would go 2/5 with 2 runs scored, 1 RBI and two doubles.
Closing the door on the game and the series was game one standout McCune. McCune would go 1 inning pitched allowing 1 hit and striking out 1.
Weekend Standouts:
Damon Jorgenson: 6/17, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 2 doubles, 4R
Jorge Ortiz: 9/16, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 1 double, 5R
Antonio Culotta: 10/17, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 doubles, 8R
Blake Carroll: 7/16, 8 RBI, 8R
Zac Freeman: 7/11, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2 doubles, 5R
Aaron Bechtel: 1W, 7.0 ip, 7k
Garon Johnson: 1W, 1SV, 4.1ip, 5k, 4H, 2R