GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Johnson County Community College's struggles in the opening round of the NJCAA Division I JUCO World Series continued Friday, as the Cavaliers dropped their first game for the fourth time in five tournament appearances. The No. 4 seed Cavaliers were defeated by No. 7 seed McLennan Community College, 14-7, at historic Sam Suplizio Field.

After trailing 3-0 through the first three innings and 4-2 after the sixth, JCCC rallied with a three-run bottom of the sixth to take a 5-4 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived, as McLennan answered with three runs in the seventh, three more in the eighth, and four in the ninth to seal the victory.

JCCC utilized seven pitchers in the contest, surrendering 13 hits—including three home runs—and issued 10 walks. Defensively, the Cavaliers committed four errors that proved costly in the late innings.

Despite the loss, freshman outfielder Jeremy Comer provided a standout performance at the plate, launching two home runs and driving in five of Johnson County's seven runs. His five RBIs tied a team record for a single game at the World Series, and he became just the third player in program history to hit two home runs in a World Series contest.

Leadoff hitter Jake McClure contributed with a triple, a walk, and two runs scored. Sophomore outfielder and KJCCC East MVP Bo Shinkle added an RBI single and scored once, while fellow sophomore Ryker Edwards collected two hits.

For McLennan, Sherman Johnson, Marcus Smith, McClane Helton, and Owen Smith each tallied three RBIs to lead the Highlanders' offensive surge.

With the loss, Johnson County moves into the consolation bracket and will face elimination on Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m. MST against either No. 1 seed Walters State or No. 10 seed Eastern Oklahoma State.

Though the road to a national title has become more difficult, the Cavaliers remain alive in the tournament and will look to bounce back in Sunday's must-win matchup.