Cleveland CC Yetis Take Series Over Wake Tech CC in High-Drama Three-Game Set

Yetis Athletics Park — Cleveland Community College and Wake Technical Community College served up a rollercoaster weekend series filled with standout performances, dramatic comebacks, and explosive innings. Across three games, fans witnessed everything from a tight pitcher's duel to offensive fireworks and defensive breakdowns. When the dust settled, Cleveland emerged victorious, taking two out of three in the series.

Game 1: Yetis Edge Wake Tech in Defensive Battle (3–2)

In Friday's series opener, Cleveland's defense bent but didn't break, narrowly escaping with a 3–2 win despite committing three errors. The Yetis' key offensive surge came in the fourth inning with Riley Stiles' two-RBI single leading the charge after a Keontay Booker double opened the scoring.

Jackson Gowan delivered a strong six-inning start, allowing just one unearned run on two hits and striking out six. He earned the win, with Andrew Hart locking down the two-inning save. Wake Tech's Aaron Slep pitched admirably in defeat, scattering eight hits and striking out four over six innings.

Wake Tech's only RBI came off the bat of Blake Gaffney, who capitalized on fielding miscues. Despite outhitting their opponents, Cleveland's timely hitting and lockdown bullpen proved the difference.

Game 2: Wake Tech Outslugs Cleveland in Offensive Showcase (12–11)

The second game of Friday's doubleheader flipped the script entirely. Wake Tech's bats exploded in the middle innings, pushing across 12 runs on 11 hits to outlast the Yetis in a high-octane 12–11 shootout.

Max Gustafson led the charge with a home run and 3 RBIs, while Cameron Rickabaugh and Colton Penner added key extra-base hits. Wake Tech took advantage of seven walks and two Yetis errors to pile on.

Cleveland responded with 10 hits and 11 runs, fueled by Dominic Jones' 3-RBI performance and Mason White's pair of doubles, but their pitching faltered. Kohen Orr took the loss after surrendering three runs in the sixth, while Wake Tech's bullpen, led by Ethan Dumar, held firm down the stretch.

Game 3: Liberto's Heroics Fuel Yetis' Dominant 14–4 Win

On Saturday, Owen Liberto stole the show, driving in seven runs, including two home runs, to propel Cleveland to a commanding 14–4 mercy-rule victory in six innings. The Yetis capitalized on Wake Tech's erratic pitching, scoring 10 runs in the final two frames thanks to wild pitches, passed balls, and aggressive baserunning.

Dominic Jones crossed the plate four times, while Gage Doss and Nick Morris combined for three more RBIs. The Yetis also stole 11 bases, completely dismantling Wake Tech's defensive rhythm.

On the mound, Jackson Nash earned the win with five solid innings, allowing three earned runs while striking out five. Wake Tech pitchers struggled, issuing eight walks and five wild pitches, allowing Cleveland to pour it on late.

Series Recap: Consistency and Depth Give Yetis the Edge

The Yetis ability to bounce back after Friday night's loss highlights their offensive depth and mental resilience. While Wake Tech's lineup showed bursts of power and discipline, defensive lapses and inconsistent pitching ultimately cost them the series.

Standouts across the weekend included:

• Owen Liberto (Cleveland): 6-for-10, 2 HR, 10 RBIs in the series
• Riley Stiles (Cleveland): 3-for-8, 3 RBIs, multiple stolen bases

With the series win, the Yetis improve their record and NJCAA ranking to #21 and showcase themselves as a well-rounded squad with explosive offense and a bullpen that can close tight games.