Auburndale, FL -  On Tuesday, Chatham Baseball (4-1, 0-0 PAC) opened its spring training against Trine (1-3, 0-0 MIAA). Despite a late-game rally, the Cougars fell to the Thunder 7-6. 

After a scoreless first inning, the Cougars opened the scoring in the bottom of the second. Dom Obinecunas scored by way of an Eddie Rueda fielder's choice, after leading off the inning with a hard single down the right field line. The Cougars threatened in each of the next two innings but traded zeros with the Thunder, as neither team could gain the upper hand. Trine answered back, putting up 3 runs in the top of the 5th, adding another the following inning to lead 4-1. The Cougars stormed back in the bottom half of the 6th, scoring three runs of their own. A Cooper Baxter hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, and an Obiencunas hit-by-pitch forced a run across the plate. Hayden Woodward drove in 2 more, lining a double-down into the gap. The Thunder responded, scoring in each of the next two innings, taking a 7-4 lead. The Cougars made it close in the 8th but went three-up-three down in the 9th, closing the book on the game. 

Offensively, Hayden Woodward led the Cougars' charge. He went 2-4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Matt Brandt continued his hot start to the season, adding 2 RBIs himself. Dom Obinecunas was the table setter in the game, scoring 3 runs after getting on via a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a single. On the bump, the Cougars staff combined for 13 strikeouts. Cason Bennett earned a tough no-decision, battling through 4.2 IP with 2 earned runs and striking out 6. Garrett Blosser and Nick Martin each pitched an inning apiece, with Riley Baum closing out the last two. 

The Cougars will be back at it tomorrow, February 29th, for a doubleheader against Wentworth. First pitch of game one is slated for 9 am at Northeast Regional Park in Davenport, FL.