Baseball Recap: Columbia Christian Finds Home Field Redemption Against Lafayette County

There's no place like home for Columbia Christian, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Friday. They put the hurt on the Lafayette County Cougars with a sharp 15-4 victory on Monday. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Crusaders' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.

Ruston Hern

Stolen Base (Career)

04/14/25 vs Lafayette County	4
03/21/25 @ Lafayette County	3
03/20/25 vs Blevins	2
03/11/24 vs Trinity Christian	2
04/01/25 @ Hermitage	1

Ruston Hern made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing four bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Those four stolen bases gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, Columbia Christian let Nolan Walker and Kash Smith run wild. Walker scored two runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances, while Smith scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances. Smith is becoming a predictor of Columbia Christian's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 1-3 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Landon Burley, who scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.

Columbia Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .676. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lafayette County only posted an OBP of .440.

Columbia Christian's record is now 6-3. As for Lafayette County, they are on a four-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 1-6.

We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Columbia Christian is set to face off against their familiar foe Bradley at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Lafayette County will square off against rival Hermitage at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.