Colorado Christian took to the field on Saturday morning in the final game of the first annual 4-Him Classic in Phoenix, AZ. The Cougs battled with Bethesda University, but were unable to come away with the victory as the Flames held on to defeat CCU by a final score of 5-2. BU scored three runs in the final two innings, which sealed the Cougars fate.
 
Junior Michael Cantrell got the start for CCU today, and started off strong in the first inning as he retired the side in order including two strikeouts. Cantrell worked quickly and efficiently, as he kept the Flames scoreless through two innings. Bethesda broke the scoreless tie in the third inning, as they were able to string some hits together and score two runs. CCU answered in their half of the third inning after Mikale Doherty had a sacrifice fly.
 
The flames were looking to add on their lead in the fourth inning as they had runners on second and third with nobody out. This forced skipper Gregg Mucerino to go to his bullpen. He called on the arm of freshman Jarrod Rivera. Rivera had another spotless outing, as he stranded the runners, and kept the Cougs within one. Rivera had a sparkling collegiate debut. In two appearances he has thrown 5 2/3^rd innings, allowing just three hits, while striking out five batters and issuing no walks.
 
Christian scored the equalizing run in the bottom of the fifth inning thanks to an RBI single from Brandon Hesselberg which scored Cooper Gray who had singled to begin the inning. Unfortunately, that was the last run the Cougs scored, as BU scored two in the sixth inning, and once more in the seventh to secure the 5-2 win over CCU.
 
CCU finished the tournament going 1-3. They will now head to Oklahoma, where they will have a pair of doubleheaders against Rogers State University beginning on Feb. 10^th.