CCU baseball claimed the NCCAA Central Region title, defeating the Central Baptist College Mustangs by a score of 10-7. The three-game tournament sweep brings the Cougars season record to 23-27.
 
The Cougars posted a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning, taking an early lead that would last until the top of the 5^th inning. In the top of the 5^th the Mustangs put up half a dozen on the Cougars, taking a quick and significant lead.
 
The bottom of the 6^th inning saw the Cougars come roaring back into the game, scoring four runs to tie it up at six all. The Cougars would score one more in the bottom of the 7^th, and three more in the bottom of the 8^th, to build their lead to 10-6. The Mustangs would threaten in the top of the ninth inning, after scoring one run they would put runners on the bags with the tying run up to bat, but with the game, and Regional title on the line, senior Joey Loranger reared back and closed out the game, clinching the title.
 
Offensively the Cougars got seven players in the box score with hits, two of which had multiple hits. Hunter Hays and Scotty Ingle had three and two hits respectively. Hays had an all-around solid game, notching three RBI's and two runs. Jerry Gallegos contributed in a big way going 1-3 on the day, but scored three runs after reaching on the hit, a hit-by-pitch, and a walk.
 
Alex Ginn started the game for the Cougars, going 4 1/3 inning while striking out four Mustangs and allowing just three runs before being relieved by senior Joey Loranger. Loranger, who started game one of the tournament on Wednesday the 9^th, came in to close out the game on short rest.

After the game Loranger had this to say about the series and the upcoming trip to Nationals. "Any way that I can help the team I'll do it, that was my mentality coming into this tournament. Whether that's starting or coming in off short rest. We're just trying to play loose and play our game. As long we we're playing CCU baseball that will take us to where we want to be."
 
The Cougars will have just over a week off before heading to South Carolina for the NCCAA National Championship Tournament. They will play from Wednesday the 23^rd through the 26^th with opponents to be determined. Check back on ccucougars.com for additional information as it becomes available.