Coker Drops Sunday Doubleheader, Splits Weekend Series at Chowan

By: Jake Miller

MURFREESBORO, N.C.- Coker baseball dropped both games of its doubleheader at Chowan on Sunday (Feb. 5).

The Cobras dropped game one 7-4 and the second game 8-5.

The Hawks struck first for three runs in the home half of the first, and would take the 3-0 lead into the third. Coker would scrape one across in the frame on an RBI single from AJ Strnad. Chowan would add to its lead with a four-spot in the fourth, making it a 7-1 game. The Cobras would respond in the fifth with a two-RBI triple from Bryson Conner which cut the lead to 7-3. Coker was able to hold Chowan down offensively for the remainder of the game, but was unable to catch up. Conner would pick up another RBI on a bases loaded walk in the sixth.

Strnad collected two hits in the game, while Conner and five other Cobras each logged one hit. Jon Koski (0-1) took the loss in his first start in Navy and Gold, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits in three innings. The right-hander walked three and struck out two. Forrest Arnold made his first relief appearance of the season, tossing one inning out of the pen. Jake Moore also made his first appearance of the season, firing two scoreless innings allowing two hits and one walk.

Coker looked to be on the right track in the first inning, scoring four runs in the opening frame. Darius Coldiron drew a walk with the bases loaded, and was followed up by Brooks Estrada singling to bring in two more. Coldiron would come around and eventually score on Ryan Wayne's groundout, giving Coker a four-run advantage after the opening half. Chowan responded with five runs in the home half of the first. Chowan would tack on one more in the second, before Coker would respond in the third with an RBI single from Clint Allen. Coker would be held scoreless for the final four innings as Chowan completed the doubleheader sweep.

Ryan Milner (0-1) made his first start of the year for Coker, while Matt Ticer relieved the senior in his second relief appearance of the year. Cody Brown tossed 1.2 innings of relief, allowing one earned run on two hits while walking one and striking out three. Griffin Hollifield also had another solid relief appearance, allowing two earned runs on five hits in 3.1 innings. The right-hander punched out one in the appearance.

The Cobras (3-2) are back at home on Friday (Feb.10) when they host the University of Indianapolis for a three-game weekend series. First pitch on Friday is set for 1:00 p.m. at Tom J. New Field. Tickets for the game are $5 for adults, $3 for students and free to all Coker faculty, staff and students.