Yetis Baseball Recap for the Week of February 17

February 18, 2025 - Dobson, NC

In a thrilling baseball match-up, the Cleveland Yetis emerged victorious against Surry Community College with an 11-7 win. The game, held at Surry Community College, showcased a series of dynamic plays and strategic maneuvers that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Yetis, demonstrating their offensive prowess, accumulated 11 runs on 11 hits, with a notable performance from Owen Liberto, who went 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Cruise Arnold also made significant contributions, driving in three runs and securing three hits, including a crucial double in the ninth inning that helped seal the victory.

Surry Community College started strong, scoring two runs in the first inning with Elijah Palmer and Tate Green contributing early RBIs. However, the Yetis quickly responded in the second inning, capitalizing on an error by Surry's second baseman Lucas Graham, which allowed Keontay Booker and Mason White to score.

The third inning was pivotal for the Yetis, as they scored four runs, highlighted by Evan Estes' single and Arnold's two-run single. Despite a valiant effort by Surry, which included a three-run surge in the seventh inning, the Yetis maintained their lead with strategic plays and consistent scoring.

Cleveland's pitching staff, including Carter Sterchi and Keely Furr, managed to contain Surry's offense despite some challenges. The Yetis' bullpen effectively rotated through pitchers, with Andrew Hart and Clabon Haigh delivering solid performances to close out the game.

Surry Community College displayed resilience, with Elijah Palmer and Tate Green each driving in two runs. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Yetis' offensive onslaught.

The game concluded with the Yetis securing an 11-7 victory, marking a significant win in their season. Both teams exhibited strong performances, but it was Cleveland's strategic plays and timely hits that ultimately led them to triumph.

February 22-23 - Shelby, NC - Yetis Sweep Southwest Virginia in a Weekend Series with Offensive Firepower

In a dominating weekend display at Yeti Athletics Park, the Cleveland Yetis completed a decisive three-game sweep over Southwest Virginia CC. Across the series, the Yetis combined for 35 runs, showcasing a potent mix of timely hitting and effective pitching, while Southwest Virginia struggled to find any rhythm at the plate.

Game 1, 12-1 - A Runaway Start

Cleveland's bats came alive as they posted 12 runs on just 8 hits against a Southwest Va outfit that managed a meager 2 runs. The Yetis jumped out of the gate in the first inning and piled on the offense in the subsequent frames. Key contributions came from hitters like Trenton Doss, who notched multiple RBIs, while Logan Norris and Riley Stiles provided timely hits and steals to keep the momentum rolling. On the mound, Cleveland's pitchers, notably Liam Foley and Jackson Nash, stifled the opposition after the early onslaught, limiting Southwest Virginia to little more than a brief spark.

Game 2, 13-1 - Offensive Explosion

Later that same day, the Yetis continued their offensive onslaught, outscoring Southwest Virginia CC by a wide margin—13 to 1. Cleveland capitalized on every opportunity, with players such as Cruise Arnold, Booker, and Norris delivering clutch hits. Their aggressive approach in the first two innings, including a series of doubles and timely triples, set the tone for the game. Meanwhile, Southwest Virginia's pitchers, including Peyton Maines, Colten Tate, and Damien Boyd, found themselves overwhelmed, unable to contain the barrage. Cleveland's ace, Jackson Gowan, earned a win with a masterful 5-inning performance that kept the opponents at bay.

Game 3, 10-5 – Sealing the Sweep

The following afternoon, Cleveland wrapped up the series with a 10–5 victory. A remarkable second inning saw the home team light up the scoreboard, as a sequence of hits from Doss, Norris, and Arnold stretched the lead. Although Southwest Virginia managed to chip in with runs in the later innings, Cleveland's balanced attack and consistent pitching—anchored by Ian Hawk's four solid innings—proved too much to overcome. The Yetis' ability to generate runs in bursts and then shut down the opposition on the mound ultimately sealed the series sweep.

Looking Ahead

Cleveland's commanding performance over the weekend not only highlights their offensive firepower but also underscores the strength of their pitching staff, which effectively neutralized Southwest Virginia's sporadic attempts at a comeback. With this series sweep, the Yetis have sent a strong message early in the season, while Southwest Virginia CC faces a tough off-season of adjustments on both sides of the ball.