Cleveland Baseball Rallies Past Walters State in Nationally Ranked Matchup

Shelby, NC – In a showdown between nationally ranked programs, No. 23 Cleveland Community (NJCAA Division II) powered past No. 14 Walters State (NJCAA Division I) with a dominant late-inning surge, securing a 16-9 victory. The Yetis' offensive firepower proved too much for the Senators, as Cleveland erased an early deficit and ran away with the game in the later innings.

Walters State jumped ahead early, fueled by a three-run homer from T. Myatt in the third inning. The Senators extended their lead to 6-2 by the fifth inning, capitalizing on a wild pitch that allowed J. Vogele to score. However, Cleveland quickly responded with a relentless offensive explosion.

Cleveland's comeback began in the bottom of the fifth when Nick Morris delivered an RBI double, cutting the deficit to 6-4. Moments later, Cruise Arnold stole second, allowing Morris to score and bring the game within one run. In the sixth inning, an error allowed Owen Liberto to score the tying run before Arnold crushed a grand slam, capping off a five-run inning that propelled Cleveland ahead 10-6.

Although Walters State attempted a rally, including a solo home run from Vogele in the seventh and a sacrifice fly RBI from N. Conner in the eighth, Cleveland kept their bats hot. Avery Russell and Owen Liberto hit back-to-back homers in the seventh, and in the eighth, Keontay Booker scored on a wild pitch before Riley Stiles launched a three-run shot to put the game out of reach at 16-9.

Key Performances

• Cleveland Community

  • R. Stiles: 3-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, SB
  • C. Arnold: 1-for-4, Grand Slam, 4 RBI, SB
  • O. Liberto: 3-for-5, HR, RBI, SB
  • N. Morris: 2-for-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI
  • A. Russell: 3-for-4, HR, 2B, RBI

On the mound, Keely Furr (2-0) earned the win for Cleveland, despite allowing five earned runs over four innings. Walters State's bullpen struggled, with M. Trucks (1-1) taking the loss after surrendering seven runs in 1.2 innings.

This nationally ranked battle showcased the offensive prowess of both teams, but Cleveland's late-game dominance sealed the win. The Yetis improve to 21-3, solidifying their status as a top NJCAA Division II contender.