Big weekend sweeps Trojans into first
Colby takes four from Cloud as Kirkwood drives in 11
The Colby Community College baseball team is now tied for first in the Jayhawk Conference western division after completing a weekend four-game sweep of Cloud County Community College, 9-1, 9-2, 9-6 and 5-2.
The Trojans, now winners of seven straight, used some big offensive innings while producing solid pitching against the Thunderbirds.
Nick Vickers (3-3) earned Saturday's game one win by throwing six innings, surrendering a run on two hits and striking out five. Equally impressive was the bat of sophomore Garrett Kirkwood, who drove in six with two home runs including a grand slam in the 9-1 victory.
It was more of the same in game two when Kirkwood started Colby scoring with a first-inning RBI single. Brian Granton and Christian Roduner also drove in runs as the Trojans led 4-2 before blowing it open with a five-run sixth. Granton and Andy Leader each had three of Colby's 13 hits in the 9-2 win. Bryce Fraser (5-2) struck out seven over six innings and allowed both of Cloud's runs.
Colby came to play again on Sunday. An RBI single by Kirkwood and a grand slam by Adam Cook propelled the Trojans to a 5-0 first inning lead in game one of the 9-6 win. Drake Kirkwood added a solo home run. Colby starting pitcher Chase Dreger earned the win, now 4-2. He threw five and a third innings, allowing five runs, four hits, and striking out six.
The Trojans were able to grind out a 5-2 win in the second game. Cloud held a 1-0 lead entering the bottom of the sixth when Colby erupted for five runs. Adam Cook hit a solo shot and Garrett Kirkwood drove in two more runs on one of his four hits. Greg Leban struck out eight over five and a third innings and allowed just one run. His record is now 6-1.
Colby (23-14, 15-5) hits the road April 15-16 to play a four game series with Butler Community College (15-22, 7-16) in El Dorado. The next home action is against Otero on April 19.