HILLSBORO, Kan. — Sterling fell to Tabor College in multiple high-scoring contest, in a three-game series on Friday and Saturday, April 17-18. The Warriors started with a 11–9 loss on Friday, despite managing Sterling managed four home runs. In the double header on Saturday, the Warriors lost the first game 18-8 but bounced back in game two losing narrowly 10-7.
Game 1
Sterling’s first game against Tabor began with a quiet first inning, as Matthew Garcia walked but was left stranded after a double play ended Sterling’s half. The Bluejays capitalized on a hit-by-pitch and a single by Kaison Overbey to take an early 1-0 lead.
In the second inning, the Warriors responded when Ezavien Campos hit a two-run homer, scoring Nehemiah House and putting Sterling ahead 2–1. Tabor was unable to score despite loading the bases, keeping Sterling’s lead intact.
Sterling extended its advantage in the third inning when Jackson Harding delivered a two-run homer, bringing home M. Garcia and extending the lead to 4–1. However, Tabor equalized in the fourth inning, scoring three runs. Jared Mack’s RBI single and a two-RBI single from Overbey leveled the score at 4–4.
In the fifth inning, Joshua Garcia hit a two-run homer, scoring Mitchel McDaniel, and Sterling regained the lead at 6–4. However, Tabor’s offense exploded for six runs, highlighted by Judah Powell’s three-run homer, shifting the lead to 10–6.
The Bluejays added another run in the sixth inning on a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded, increasing its lead to 11–6. Sterling narrowed the gap in the eighth inning as Imanol Ramos doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by M. Garcia. Chuck Lang followed with a two-run homer, cutting the Bluejays’ lead to 11–9. Tabor was held scoreless in its half of the eighth inning.
Sterling was unable to score in the ninth inning, resulting in a final score of 11–9 in favor of Tabor.
Jace Phillips took the mound for Sterling, pitching 4 innings and allowing four earned runs on seven hits while striking out four and walking three. Landon Snyder relieved Phillips, pitching 2/3 inning and conceding six earned runs on four hits, including two home runs, with two walks. Cooper Lovelace followed Snyder, facing just one batter and throwing 3 strikes. Zachary Johnston closed for Sterling, pitching 3 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits, and striking out one with one walk.
Joshua Garcia led the offensive charge with three hits, including a home run, and drove in two runs while also scoring once. Chuck Lang contributed significantly by hitting a home run and collecting two RBIs in his two-hit performance. Harding added power with a home run and drove in two runs in the process. Campos also made an impact with a two-run home run, reaching base twice with a walk and a hit by pitch.
Game 2
Sterling managed to score five runs in the fourth inning but could not contain the Bluejays’ offense, which amassed 18 hits, including two home run in game two.
Scoring got started in the second inning, Sterling’s Imanol Ramos doubled to left field, driving in J. Garcia and House to cut the deficit to 3-2. The inning concluded with the Bluejays leading 3-2.
The Warriors added another run in the third inning when M. Garcia scored after reaching on an error, closing the gap to 6-3. However, the Bluejays maintained their lead at the end of the third.
The fourth inning saw Sterling take the lead briefly, scoring five runs. Mateo Castro‘s RBI single, followed by a two-RBI double from Emmanuel Huerta Cardenas, contributed to an 8-6 advantage. The Bluejays responded with four runs in the bottom half of the inning, reclaiming a 10-8 lead.
The Bluejays extended their lead with a run in the fifth and another in the sixth, bringing the score to 12-8. The seventh inning was decisive, as the Bluejays added six more runs, highlighted by a grand slam from Easton Norris, solidifying an 18-8 victory over Sterling.
Final score: Tabor 18, Sterling 8.
Colin Clark started on the mound for Sterling, pitching 2 1/3 innings while giving up six earned runs on six hits, with three walks and striking out none. Zachary Johnston followed, facing control issues in his brief appearance, recording three walks in just 2/3 inning. Jackson Reed pitched 2 1/3 innings in relief, also allowing six earned runs on eight hits, including a home run. Cooper Lovelace and Tyreek Sherman struggled with control, combining for two hit batters and two wild pitches in their respective short outings.
Matthew Garcia crossed home plate twice, contributing significantly to the scoring. Emmanuel Huerta Cardenas drove in two runs with a double, adding key RBIs. Imanol Ramos also recorded two RBIs and added a double, bolstering the offense. Chuck Lang not only scored a run but also batted in another, showcasing a balanced offensive effort.
Game 3
Tabor jumped to an early lead in the first inning, starting game three with a two-run homer by Eric Calder followed by a solo shot from Overbey, giving it a 3-0 advantage.
In the fourth inning, Sterling’s offense came alive. Lang singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Harding. Ramos delivered a pivotal three-run homer, bringing Sterling within 8-4 after Tabor had added to its lead.
The Warriors continued its momentum in the fifth inning. Jason Smith hit a solo home run, and M. Garcia scored on a bases-loaded walk, narrowing the gap to 9-6.
In the sixth inning, Sterling added another run as Campos scored on a single by Harding, making it 10-7.
Despite a strong effort, Sterling fell short with a final score of 10-7 to the Bluejays.
Aaron Elsasser started the game for Sterling, pitching 2 innings and allowing five earned runs on seven hits, including two home runs, while issuing two walks. Peyton Fletcher relieved Elsasser, contributing 1 2/3 innings with three earned runs on three hits and one home run, walking one batter in the process. Jordan Ramsey followed, pitching 2 innings, striking out three, but allowing two earned runs on four hits with two walks. Jack Trent closed out the game with a brief appearance, facing one batter and allowing a hit.
Emmanuel Huerta Cardenas recorded three hits and scored a run, showcasing his offensive contribution. Harding drove in two runs with a sacrifice fly, providing key offensive support. Imanol Ramos hit a home run and collected three RBIs, delivering a strong performance at the plate. Jason Smith also homered, recording one hit and an RBI, adding to the team’s scoring efforts.
Sterling will look to bounce back against Bethany College on Tuesday, April 21. The Warriors will face the Swedes in a nine-inning game in Lindsborg, Kan. with the first pitch to be thrown at 2 p.m.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
