Colby faces Cloud in intense matchups

Colby, KAN - Colby Community College faced off against Cloud County Community College in very competitive baseball matchups. The Trojans won one of the four games, bringing their record to 27-24 overall and 14-14 in conference play.

Game 1 Recap - Colby, KS

In game one, Colby fell to Cloud with a final score of 5-1. The game opened with Colby Community College taking an early lead, scoring a single run in the first inning. However, Cloud County quickly responded in the second inning by scoring two runs, taking the lead, which they maintained throughout the game. The team added two more runs in the fifth inning and finalized their score with an additional run in the seventh inning.

Turner Zdunich was a bright spot in Colby's lineup, achieving four hits in four at-bats, and Caden Clifford contributed the lone RBI for Colby, but the team struggled to convert hits into runs.

Matthew Mackenzie started for Colby and pitched two innings, conceding two runs (one earned) on five hits. Then Dallen Rude took over and pitched five innings, giving up three earned runs on seven hits, but managed to strike out four batters.

Colby looked to regroup after this loss so they could win game two. 

Game 2 Recap - Colby, KS

In game two, the Trojans would go on to lose 13-7. 

Colby Community College put up a valiant effort, managing to score in the second, fourth, sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. Despite their 14 hits, they struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Matt Murray was a standout for the Trojans, hitting a home run and driving in two runs, while Turner Zdunich also contributed with two RBIs.

Colby's pitching struggled to contain Cloud County's offense. Flynn McGahan, who took the loss, allowed six runs in the final inning. Trey Schroeder, who started for the Trojans, gave up six runs in just over three innings, setting a challenging tone for the home team early in the game.

Despite Colby's efforts and a higher hit count, their inability to convert hits into runs cost them the game.

The Trojans would then play the final two games of the series at Cloud. 

Game 3 Recap - Concordia, KS

In game three, which was a thrilling and high-scoring baseball contest, Colby Community College emerged victorious over Cloud County Community College with a final score of 14-10. The game showcased an impressive display of offensive prowess from both teams.

The game started slowly, with neither team scoring in the first inning, but the momentum shifted in the third inning when Colby Community College exploded with five runs, taking a commanding lead. Cloud County responded with two runs of their own in the bottom of the third, but the Trojans maintained their lead.

Colby was down in the fifth inning 7-5; however, they were not deterred and continued to chip away, scoring three runs in the sixth inning to regain the lead. The seventh inning further showcased Colby's offensive strength, adding two more runs to their tally.

Cloud County attempted a comeback in the bottom of the seventh, scoring three runs, but the Trojans sealed their victory with a four-run surge in the eighth inning, bringing the final score to 14-10.

Key players for Colby included Gavin Galenza, who scored four runs on four hits, and Adam Vulcano, who contributed significantly with four RBIs, including a home run. Isaiah Padilla also played a crucial role, driving in three runs with four hits. On the mound, Gabe Fournier secured the win for the Trojans, pitching four innings and allowing three earned runs.

The game was a testament to both teams' offensive capabilities, with Colby Community College ultimately prevailing in this exciting matchup. 

The Trojans looked to take this momentum into the next game. 

Game 4 Recap - Concordia, KS

Game four was a tightly contested matchup with Colby falling to Cloud 1-0.

The game remained scoreless through the first two innings, with both teams failing to capitalize on their limited chances. Cloud scored the only run of the game in the third inning. The Trojans managed to record four hits throughout the game, with Isaiah Padilla leading the effort by going 2-for-3. However, they were unable to convert these opportunities into runs, leaving them scoreless.

Colby's Turner Zdunich, despite not allowing any earned runs, took the loss, dropping his record to 2-3.

Overall, the game was a testament to the prowess of both teams' pitching staffs. Colby will look to rebound in their upcoming matches.

The Trojans' next game is against Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, on May 1st. This is their last series of the season before the playoffs. Go Trojans!