Rough Start in Enid: Cougars Drop World Series Opener to Iowa Central

The Frederick Community College Cougars ran into early trouble in their NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series opener on Saturday, falling 15-1 to Iowa Central CC Tritons squad at David Allen Memorial Ballpark in Enid, Oklahoma. In a game where almost nothing went right for the Cougars, the Tritons poured on the offense, putting Frederick in a win-or-go-home situation in the double-elimination tournament.

Iowa Central struck first with a solo home run in the top of the first, breaking the game open with a seven-run third that included a three-run homer and multiple sacrifice flies. The Cougars struggled to find rhythm both on the mound and at the plate, as starting pitcher Adam Horst struck out four batters but was tagged for seven earned runs in just two innings of work. By the end of the fifth, Frederick trailed 15-1 and had managed just four hits offensively.

Frederick's lone run came in the bottom of the fourth, when designated hitter William Gisriel tripled and later scored on a wild pitch. Despite efforts from Hunter Lee, Shawn Karpaitis, Braydon Kelman, and Gisriel to generate some offense, the Cougars couldn't string together a rally against Iowa Central.

Now 51-12 on the season, Frederick finds itself in familiar territory heading into Monday's elimination game. With their backs against the wall, the Cougars will look to regroup and bounce back at 4:00 PM on May 26, hoping to extend their stay in Enid and keep their national title hopes alive.