Baseball Drops High-Scoring Doubleheader to Butler

COLBY, Kan. – The Colby Trojans baseball offense produced 27 hits and 24 runs across two games Thursday (March 12), but the Trojans ultimately fell on both ends of a high-scoring doubleheader to the Butler Grizzlies baseball, 11–10 in game one and 21–14 in game two.

Game 1

Colby jumped out to an early lead in the opener behind a big swing from Turner Zdunich. The Trojan outfielder launched a two-run home run to right field in the first inning, giving Colby a 2–0 advantage. Butler answered in the second inning, stringing together multiple hits to score three runs and take a 3–2 lead.

The Trojans quickly responded with a strong second inning of their own. Charlie Langford doubled to start the rally before Jacob Mraz delivered an RBI double. Zdunich added another extra-base hit during the inning as Colby plated four runs to reclaim a 6–3 lead.

Butler tied the game in the third inning and continued to build momentum with home runs later in the game, eventually pushing ahead by multiple runs. Despite trailing late, Colby mounted a push in the final innings and nearly completed the comeback before Butler held on for the one-run victory.

The Trojans finished with 12 hits in the game. Langford led the way with a 3-for-4 performance with two RBIs, including two doubles. Zdunich went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs, while Mraz added an RBI double as part of a two-RBI performance.

Callum Thomson, Caden Clifford, and Matt Murray each recorded two hits in the contest. Murray also swiped a base for Colby.

On the mound, Isaiah Sadorus started the game, working three innings while allowing six runs on four hits. Thomas Loubier took the loss after allowing four runs over two innings of relief, while Gabe Fournier closed the game with two innings out of the bullpen.

Game 2

Game two featured another offensive battle as both teams traded big innings throughout the nine-inning contest.

Butler opened the scoring with a run in the first inning, but the Trojans answered immediately in the bottom half. Colby plated three runs, highlighted by an RBI double from Thomson and an RBI single from Clifford to take an early 3–1 lead.

The Grizzlies responded with a six-run third inning to swing momentum, then added four more runs in the fourth to extend their advantage. Colby chipped away in the fourth inning when Matthew Kesting crushed a two-run home run to right field, and Mraz added a sacrifice fly to trim the deficit.

The Trojans' biggest offensive surge came in the sixth inning, when Colby exploded for seven runs on seven hits. Jake Brooks ignited the rally with a two-run home run, and moments later Zdunich launched a three-run homer to right field as Colby cut deep into the Butler lead.

Brooks had one of the top performances of the day, finishing 2-for-3 with four RBIs and two walks. Kesting also delivered a strong game, going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. 

Thomson added two hits, while Jackson Tjart and Murray also recorded two-hit performances. Overall, the Trojans totaled 15 hits and seven walks in the contest.

On the mound, Rory MacDonald took the loss after allowing 10 runs (eight earned) across 3.2 innings. Jake Lentz, Carter Graham, Dallen Rude, and Grant Myers each appeared in relief as Colby worked through the bullpen.

The Trojans will look to regroup and build off the strong offensive output as they continue their season this weekend in El Dorado, KS to finish the series against Butler.