Flying Eagles Swept by Cleveland CC
Game Recap: Baseball
2/24/2025 | Shaun Schetka
Shelby, NC – Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) hit the road this past weekend in search of their first win of the season, taking on Cleveland Community College in a three-game series. Unfortunately, the Flying Eagles came up short, dropping all three matchups against the Yetis.
Game One: SWCC Falls 12-2 in Five Innings
Freshman Ayden Mullikin took the mound for SWCC in the series opener. Cleveland CC struck first in the bottom of the second, taking a 1-0 lead after a hit batter and an RBI single by Logan Norris. SWCC limited the damage, retiring the next two batters to escape the inning.
The Flying Eagles responded with a two-out rally in the top of the third. John Paul Eads drew a walk, while Christopher Steele and Colten Tate both reached after being hit by pitches. Cason McInnis capitalized with a two-run single to right, putting SWCC ahead 2-1. However, the lead was short-lived, as Cleveland CC tied the game in the bottom of the frame and broke things open in the third with four more runs, highlighted by a two-run double from Keontay Booker and a steal of home by Riley Stiles to make it 6-2.
The Yetis put the game out of reach in the fourth inning, scoring six runs on a mix of hits, walks, and defensive miscues. By the end of the frame, Cleveland CC led 12-2, enforcing the run-rule after five innings.
Game Two: Yetis Dominate in 13-1 Victory
Looking to bounce back, SWCC sent freshman Peyton Maines to the mound in Game Two. The Yetis wasted no time, racking up four straight hits—including three doubles—to take a 3-0 lead in the first inning.
SWCC struggled offensively, managing just one baserunner in the first two innings. Cleveland CC extended their lead in the second, scoring four more runs, including a two-RBI single by Norris. A sacrifice fly and an RBI double made it 7-0, forcing an early exit for Maines.
The Flying Eagles got on the board in the third when John Ruhl drew a leadoff walk, advanced on a passed ball and a fielder’s choice, and scored on a groundout by McInnis.
However, Cleveland CC continued their offensive onslaught, adding three runs in the fourth and putting the game out of reach. The Yetis cruised to a 13-1 run-rule victory in five innings, sending SWCC to their second straight defeat.
Game Three: SWCC Battles, But Falls 10-5 in Series Finale
In the final game of the series, the Flying Eagles put up a stronger fight but were unable to match the Yetis’ offensive firepower, falling 10-5.
Cleveland CC struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning off an SWCC error. The second inning proved disastrous for the Flying Eagles, as the Yetis exploded for eight runs on three hits, capitalizing on defensive mistakes. Cruise Arnold delivered the big blow with a three-run double, while Logan Norris tripled home another run. By the end of the inning, Cleveland CC led 9-0.
SWCC showed resilience, chipping away at the deficit with a steady offensive effort. Damien Boyd led the charge, going 1-for-4 with two RBIs, while Peyton Dodson and Ayden Mullikin each recorded hits. Despite a stronger effort defensively, the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Cleveland CC’s Ian Hawk earned the win, allowing just one unearned run over four innings while striking out three. SWCC’s JP Eads took the loss after surrendering seven unearned runs in his lone inning of work.
The Yetis totaled 10 hits in the game, led by Norris and Jamison Millsap, who each recorded two hits. Cleveland CC also flexed their speed on the bases, swiping seven bags in the contest.
Looking Ahead
The Flying Eagles will look to regroup and secure their first win as they return home for their next series versus Wake Tech CC. First pitch is scheduled for Saturday March 1st at 1:00 PM at the SWCC Baseball Field.