Titans Earn a Split Against Caldwell in Mid-Week Matchup
Game 1
Elijah Grant Powers GTCC Past Caldwell Tech with Seven-RBI Performance
Sophomore outfielder Elijah Grant delivered a career day at the plate, driving in seven runs on three hits to lead Guilford Technical Community College to a commanding 13–2 win over Caldwell Tech on Tuesday.
Elijah did damage throughout the lineup. He launched a grand slam to right field in the second inning to break the game open, added an RBI single in the fourth, and then doubled in the fifth to drive in three more runs. The sophomore from Clinton, South Carolina accounted for more than half of the Titans’ run production in a dominant offensive showing.
GTCC wasted no time getting on the board. In the first inning, redshirt freshman utility player Will Beck ripped a double to bring home the game’s first run and spark the offense. The Titans then erupted for six runs in the second inning. Sophomore outfielder Andre Mason crushed a solo home run to center field, sophomore second baseman Evan Britt delivered an RBI double, and Grant’s grand slam capped off the explosive frame.
Freshman right-hander Grady Barnes earned the win on the mound, allowing five hits and two runs over four innings while striking out two and walking one. Freshman right-hander Tucker Hobbs came on in relief and tossed a scoreless inning, giving up just one hit to help close the door.
Offensively, the Titans tallied 13 hits in the contest. Grant and Beck each collected three hits, while Mason and Britt added multiple-hit performances. Sophomore shortstop Dylan Rose created pressure on the base paths, swiping two bases as GTCC totaled four stolen bases on the afternoon. The Titans also turned a double play defensively to keep momentum firmly on their side.
With timely hitting, aggressive base running, and steady pitching, GTCC secured a decisive road victory and will return to Caldwell Tech for their next matchup on Tuesday.
Game 2
Late Home Run Lifts Caldwell Tech Past GTCC in 3–2 Pitchers’ Duel
Both teams were sharp on the mound Tuesday afternoon, but Caldwell Tech edged Guilford Technical Community College 3–2 in a tightly contested battle.
Sophomore right-hander Jaren Jackson got the start for the Titans and recorded three outs to open the game. GTCC struck first in the top of the first inning when sophomore outfielder Elijah Grant launched a solo home run to right field, giving the Titans an early 1–0 lead.
Caldwell Tech answered in the bottom of the second after Lowe singled to left field to tie the game at one.
GTCC regained the lead in the fourth inning when sophomore shortstop Dylan Rose doubled to drive in a run, putting the Titans back on top, 2–1. Rose and Grant continued to apply pressure in the heart of the order, each collecting two hits and driving in one run while hitting back-to-back in the lineup.
Freshman right-hander Timothy Barry provided strong relief for GTCC, pitching four and one-third innings while allowing three hits and two runs. He struck out two and walked one to keep the game within reach. Jackson allowed just one hit and no runs in his inning of work to start the contest.
The difference came in the sixth inning when Caldwell Tech connected on a home run to left field to take a 3–2 lead — a margin that would ultimately hold.
Defensively, GTCC was steady all afternoon, turning two double plays and committing no errors. Rose led the way in the field with five defensive chances.
Hawkins paced Caldwell Tech with two RBIs, while Lyda, Hawkins, Dow, Lowe, and Reece each recorded a hit. Caldwell Tech was also flawless defensively, with White leading the team with 12 chances in the field.
In a tightly played game defined by pitching and defense, the Titans battled until the final out but came up just short in the one-run contest.