Open Door Christian had lost six straight at home dating back to last season, but on Thursday they dropped their record down to 2-9 to make it seven. They fell just short of the Columbia Raiders by a score of 6-5. If the Patriots were looking for revenge after losing 16-1 to the Raiders when the teams met back in March of 2024, then they'll just have to keep looking.
Elias Branson made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. That stolen base was his first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Tripp Taylor, who got on base in two of his three plate appearances with one stolen base and one RBI.
As for Columbia, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 11-5-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win they have posted since May 20, 2024.
On Columbia's side, Jose Rivera spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered four earned (and one unearned) runs on two hits and racked up six Ks.
At the plate, Columbia let Carter Duley and Ryan Smith run wild. Duley got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one double, while Smith went a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI and one run. That's the most hits Smith has posted since back in April. Logan North was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two RBI and one run.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Open Door Christian will square off against South Central at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Trojans will roll in looking for their sixth straight victory, something the Patriots surely won't give up without a fight. As for Columbia, they will take on Firelands at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
