Despite an early four-run lead, the Fordyce Redbugs varsity baseball team lost to Columbia Christian 15-5 on Saturday (March 14).

The Redbugs got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Bryant Robinson #22 singled to left field. Micah Gamble #3 also singled to left field, while Columbia Christian committed an error. Tyrell Harris singled up the middle, leading Fordyce to an early lead.

But, Columbia Christian struck back in the third and flipped the game on its head. The Crusaders from Magnolia scored nine runs on six hits to take the lead, 9-4. The biggest blow in the inning was a double by Griffin Wiggins #17 that drove in two.

Columbia Christian scored six runs on three hits in the top of the fifth inning. Ruston Hern #1 singled, scoring one run, Wiggins singled, scoring one run. An error scored two runs before Landon Burley #13 doubled, scoring two more runs.

Zavier Jones #8 started the game for Fordyce Varsity Redbugs. The right-handed pitcher allowed six hits and nine runs over three innings, striking out two and walking four. Nolan Walker #4 stepped on the hill first for Columbia Christian. The starting pitcher allowed seven hits and five runs (two earned) over five innings, striking out five and walking two.

Caden Barner #7, Gamble #3, and Robinson #22 each drove in one run for Fordyce. Gamble #3 went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Redbugs in hits. Jones #8 stole two of the four stolen bases for Fordyce in the game.

Columbia Christian tallied nine hits in the game. Hern #1 and Wiggins #17 were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected two hits for Columbia Christian while hitting back-to-back.

Burley, Wiggins, and Walker each drove in three runs for Columbia Christian. Columbia Christian had a strong eye at the plate, collecting six walks for the game.