TOPS Split Four-Game Series at Allegany During Demanding Road Stretch
CUMBERLAND, MD (March 23–24, 2026) — The Cuyahoga Community College baseball team battled through a challenging four-game road series against Allegany College of Maryland, splitting the set 2-2 at Steve Bazarnic Field while continuing a demanding stretch of games on the schedule.
The 'TOPS opened the series Monday with a convincing 12-4 victory behind a strong pitching performance from Ryan Torok (So.) and an aggressive offensive attack. TRI-C struck first in the opening inning when Patrick Farrell (So.) drove in the game's first run on a groundout. The 'TOPS added to their lead in the second inning with contributions from Vinny Gallaher (So.) and a wild pitch before Nathan Hill (So.) delivered the biggest swing of the afternoon — a three-run home run to left field in the fourth inning, his third of the season.
Torok controlled the game from the mound, allowing just two hits and two runs across six innings while striking out seven. Mason Wolf (So.) added relief work to secure the victory.
TRI-C showcased an aggressive brand of baseball throughout the opener, stealing eight bases and drawing seven walks. Hill finished with three RBIs, while Jackson Boles (So.) and Gallaher each recorded two hits. Kohan Merritt (So.) added three stolen bases as the TOPS applied constant pressure.
The second game of Monday's doubleheader turned into a back-and-forth offensive battle that ended in heartbreak for TRI-C. Despite collecting 13 hits, the TOPS fell 10-9 in a walk-off loss in the bottom of the ninth inning.
TRI-C jumped ahead in the third inning behind a sacrifice fly from Merritt, an RBI triple by Boles, and a run-scoring single from Farrell. The TOPS extended their lead in the fourth inning when Nash Driedger (Fr.) launched his fourth home run of the year, Boles delivered a two-run double, and Evin O'Reilly (Fr.) drove in a run after being hit by a pitch.
Allegany responded, tying the game before Merritt delivered again in the fifth inning to give TRI-C an 8-7 advantage. The two teams traded runs late before Allegany sealed the victory with a walk-off single in the ninth.
Boles led the TOPS offensively, going 3-for-6 with three RBIs, while Driedger, Merritt, and Jakob Jones (Fr.) each recorded multiple hits.
On Tuesday, Allegany capitalized on early momentum to claim a 12-5 victory in the third game of the series. Farrell once again sparked TRI-C early with an RBI single in the first inning, but Allegany responded with back-to-back home runs to take control of the game.
Allegany extended its lead with a multi-run second inning and benefited from a third-inning error that pushed the advantage further. Driedger paced the TOPS offense with two hits, while Brycen Brittain (So.), Gallaher, Merritt, and Farrell each drove in runs. Merritt also added two stolen bases as TRI-C continued its aggressive approach on the basepaths.
The TOPS bounced back in the series finale Tuesday afternoon with an 11-3 victory behind a dominant outing from David Moore (So.) and another balanced offensive performance.
TRI-C jumped out early, scoring three runs in the first inning behind an RBI double from Hill, an RBI single from Brock Miller (So.), and a bases-loaded walk from Brittain. The TOPS added two more runs in the second inning when Farrell doubled and Gallaher singled to extend the lead.
TRI-C put the game away in the seventh inning when Ethan Green (So.) singled home a run before Brittain launched a two-run home run to right field, his first of his collegiate career.
Moore delivered a strong performance on the mound, tossing seven innings while allowing three runs, only one earned, with seven strikeouts and no walks.
Hill, Gallaher, and Miller each recorded two hits in the finale, while Brittain and Zeylan Yanmaz (Fr.) each drove in two runs.
Over the four-game series, the TOPS combined for 43 runs while continuing to demonstrate offensive depth, aggressive baserunning, and strong starting pitching during a demanding portion of their schedule.
With the split, Cuyahoga Community College continues its challenging stretch of games, gaining valuable experience as the season progresses.