Columbia City scored runs in each of the first three innings Tuesday night to build a lead, then held on for a 7-4 victory in the conference against the Bellmont Braves.
The visitors scored three in the top half of the inning, all with two outs, with Beau Baker starting a rally with a single and Oliver Werling doubling with the bases loaded.
The Eagles answered back, however, tagging Aidan Zimmerman for six runs across the next three innings. The home team put the ball in play, tying the game in the second at 3-3 with a sacrifice fly, then taking the lead in the third.
Bellmont made a nice play to end the third inning down 7-3, with Mason Martinez doubling off a baserunner from right field.
George Gardner and Will Baker strung together two hits to get a run back in the sixth, and the Braves loaded the bases with one out in the seventh, but Carter Wilkinson got the last two batters to hold on to the win for the Eagles.
Layne LeMaster got the final twelve outs for four innings of work, allowing just one unearned run. He struck out two.
Zimmerman was the losing pitcher, allowing six earned runs in 2+ innings of work.
The Braves had five hits, with Werling’s double being the only extra-base hit.
Bellmont will play at Woodlan Wednesday. They are now 3-6 on the season.
