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Vincennes University

VU Baseball Shows Fight in Season Debut

VU Baseball Shows Fight in Season Debut
Box Score
February 6, 2026

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Vincennes University Baseball opened the 2026 season Friday afternoon with a 15–5 road loss to Cleveland State Community College at Cougar Field, moving the Trailblazers to 0-1 on the year.

Head Coach Chris Barney, in his 18th season as head coach, saw his team compete early before a pair of big innings separated the game late. VU trailed just 3–2 entering the fifth inning before Cleveland State capitalized on key swings and extended the margin.

"It was our second day outside, and Cleveland State already had five games under their belt," Barney said. "Our guys battled and kept it close late in the game, but we made some errors on plays you just can't fully simulate indoors. Those are reps you only get in live action."

The Trailblazers totaled seven hits and drew four walks in the opener, cutting into an early deficit with a two-run third and adding three more in the seventh to stay within striking distance. Offensively, freshman Lucas Frack paced the Trailblazers, going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Sophomore Carter Gricius added two hits, including a two-RBI double in the third inning that tied the game at 1–1. Freshman Ethan Papalios drove in a run on a sacrifice fly, while freshman Matthew Everroad and freshman Ryan Crawford each scored in the contest.

On the mound, freshman Talan Meyers made the opening-day start, allowing one run over 2.2 innings while striking out two. Freshman Drake Hoffa worked 1.1 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits with one strikeout. Sophomore Grayson Reichert logged 2.0 innings in relief, surrendering four runs (one earned) on one hit while striking out three. Freshman Palmer Schiff, freshman Jacob Tenbarge, and sophomore Cole Trevino also saw action as the Trailblazers used six pitchers in the season debut.

"We were able to get six arms on the mound and 12 position players into the game," Barney said. "That was important for us in an opener — to evaluate, compete, and start building from real-game reps. We'll take what we learned today and look to bounce back tomorrow."

Defensively, VU was charged with six errors in the contest, contributing to extended innings for Cleveland State.

Vincennes will return to Cougar Field on Saturday, February 7, for a doubleheader against Cleveland State. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. EST, with game two to follow at 2:30 p.m. EST.

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As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Baseball squad all year long through a number of ways: