Offensive Fireworks and Series Split Highlight Busy Week
Crowder College baseball wrapped up a busy stretch from March 31 through April 4 with five games in six days, featuring non‑conference action against Fort Scott Community College and a four‑game series split with State Fair Community College. The Roughriders showed plenty of offensive pop, timely pitching, and resilience throughout the week, finishing with a 3–2 record.
March 31, 2026
Crowder College 11, Fort Scott CC 7
(Neosho, Mo.)
Crowder jumped out early and never trailed, using a balanced offensive attack to secure an 11–7 victory over Fort Scott.
Game Breakdown:
The Roughriders plated multiple runs in five different innings, including a pivotal three‑run fourth and two‑run sixth. Fort Scott answered late with a four‑run ninth, but Crowder’s early offense proved too much to overcome.
Top Performers:
- Rylan Michel was the star of the night, going 3‑for‑4 with two doubles, a home run, and five RBIs.
- Lawson Ward added a big swing with a three‑run homer, finishing with two hits and three RBIs.
- Camren Stratton chipped in a solo home run and reached base twice.
On the mound, Crowder pieced together nine innings with five pitchers. Gavin Moore earned the win, striking out four over three innings, while Will Rushing closed the door for his fourth save.
April 3, 2026 (Game 1)
State Fair CC 5, Crowder College 4
(Neosho, Mo.)
State Fair edged Crowder in a tightly contested opener, capitalizing on early runs and holding on late.
Game Breakdown:
State Fair scored twice in the first and added key runs in the fourth and fifth. Crowder attempted a rally with a three‑run fifth, but could not pull even down the stretch.
Top Performers:
- Camren Stratton went 2‑for‑4 with a double and RBI.
- Lawson Ward recorded two hits from the catcher spot.
- Seth Carlson threw six innings for Crowder, striking out four despite taking the loss.
April 3, 2026 (Game 2)
State Fair CC 13, Crowder College 9
(Neosho, Mo.)
An offensive slugfest saw State Fair pull away late to take the series lead.
Game Breakdown:
Crowder struck first with a four‑run opening inning, but State Fair answered with a decisive five‑run sixth and a four‑run eighth to swing the momentum.
Top Performers:
- Rylan Michel stayed hot, hitting a two‑run homer and finishing with two hits and three RBIs.
- Ryan Stalony blasted a three‑run home run in limited at‑bats.
- William Beaudoin added a two‑run shot and scored twice.
Crowder racked up nine runs on nine hits, but State Fair’s late‑inning power made the difference.
April 4, 2026 (Game 1)
Crowder College 5, State Fair CC 3
(Sedalia, Mo.)
Crowder bounced back behind solid pitching and timely offense to even the series.
Game Breakdown:
A four‑run third inning put the Roughriders in control. Crowder added an insurance run in the sixth before the bullpen shut the door.
Top Performers:
- Rylan Michel hit a solo homer and scored twice.
- Nathan Spengler went 2‑for‑4 with an RBI and a stolen base.
- Kaden Felan picked up the win, striking out five in 3.1 innings.
- Nathan Defries earned the save with 3.2 scoreless innings.
April 4, 2026 (Game 2)
State Fair CC 5, Crowder College 2
(Sedalia, Mo.)
The week concluded with a pitching duel that tipped State Fair’s way.
Game Breakdown:
After a scoreless first two innings, State Fair struck for two in the third and broke things open with a three‑run eighth.
Top Performers:
- Micah Henson was strong despite the loss, striking out 15 batters over eight innings.
- Brady Nolen and Nathan Spengler drove in Crowder’s two runs.
- Paxton Flagg led the offense with a pair of hits.
Week in Review
Crowder finished the week 3–2, showcasing depth throughout the lineup and flashes of dominant pitching.
Key Storylines:
- Rylan Michel had a standout week, collecting multiple extra‑base hits and driving in runs in all three Crowder wins.
- Crowder’s offense produced 36 runs over five games, with home runs from Michel, Stalony, Beaudoin, Stratton, and Ward.
- The pitching staff combined for several strong outings, highlighted by Henson’s 15‑strikeout performance and multiple saves from the bullpen.
With conference play intensifying, the Roughriders leave the week encouraged by their offensive consistency and pitching depth as they continue to build momentum heading deeper into the season.