PHENIX CITY, Ala. – Chattahoochee Valley Community College scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to break open a tight game and pull away for the 7-2 victory over Gordon State College in the 2021 season-opener for both teams.
CVCC (1-0) scored single runs in the second and third innings to build an early 2-0 lead, but GSC bounced back with a run in the top of the seventh to make it a 2-1 contest.
After CVCC added another run in the bottom of the seventh, GSC (0-1) answered with a run in the eighth inning to cut the Pirates' advantage to 3-2.
But CVCC delivered the knockout blow with the four-run bottom half of the eighth to seal the victory over GSC as head coach Kent Rollins made his head coaching debut for the Highlanders.
CVCC used nine pitchers in the contest with each pitcher going one inning while striking out 14 GSC batters. Rhett Fetner was credited with the win for the Pirates.
Mason Land, Paul Hegeman and Hunter Marsh each homered for CVCC while Hegeman led the way with three RBI for the Pirates.
GSC managed just two hits on the afternoon as Adam Alicea-Brooks (Fairburn, Ga. / Collins Hill HS) and Carson Renz (Dacula, Ga. / Mill Creek HS) each had one. Renz's hit came on an RBI double for the Highlanders.
GSC is back in action on February 12 as the Highlanders travel to Southern Union State Community College (Ala.) for a 2 p.m. ET doubleheader.
GSC will be home for the first time on February 13 when the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie comes to Barnesville for a 1 p.m. ET twin bill.
The Gordon State College Department of Athletics is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA). Gordon State College competes in NJCAA Division I in the sports of Women's Soccer (Fall), Men's Basketball (Fall/Spring), Softball (Spring) and Baseball (Spring). Gordon State College is located in Barnesville, Ga., approximately 60 miles south of Atlanta and 35 miles northwest of Macon. Gordon State College offers both two-year and four-year degree programs and believes that our Athletics program provides student-athletes with the opportunity to be successful academically, athletically and in life after their time as a Highlander. Follow GSC Athletics at www.gscathletics.com, on Facebook (@GordonStateCollege #GSCHighlandersForward), on Twitter (@GordonState) and Instagram (gordon_state).