The Triceratops Splits With Ashland University, Set to Open Conference Play Friday
ASHLAND, OH — April 6, 2026 — The Cuyahoga Community College Triceratops battled NCAA Division II powerhouse Ashland University in a competitive Monday doubleheader at Donges Field, ultimately earning a split behind dominant pitching performances and timely hitting. The split caps a demanding non-conference stretch as the Triceratops now turn their focus toward OCCAC conference play.
Game One: Elbert's Dominance Not Enough in Tough Loss
Sophomore right-hander Ethan Elbert delivered one of his strongest outings of the season, striking out 10 batters over 5.1 innings, but the Triceratops fell to the Eagles in the opener.
The Triceratops struck first in the third inning when Jamir Ross (So.) launched a solo home run to give the Triceratops an early 1-0 lead. The Triceratops later pushed their advantage to 3-0 before Ashland mounted a decisive rally.
The Eagles flipped the momentum in the bottom of the sixth, scoring five runs on three hits to take control. The biggest blow came on a three-run triple that shifted the game in Ashland's favor.
Despite the loss, Elbert's performance stood out. The right-hander allowed just four hits and two runs while striking out 10, continuing to establish himself as a top-end arm in the Triceratops rotation.
Ross drove in two runs from the nine-spot, while Zeylan Yanmaz (Fr.) paced the Triceratops with two hits. Mason Wolf (So.) was charged with the loss after allowing three runs—none earned—in relief.
Game Two: Triceratops Respond Behind Gilbride
The Triceratops responded in the second game, edging the Eagles 5-4 in a tightly contested matchup.
The Triceratops jumped on the board early when Vinny Gallaher (So.) delivered an RBI single in the second inning. The Triceratops added another run in the third, extending the lead to 2-0.
Ashland answered in the fourth, tying the game at 2-2, but TRI-C regained momentum in the fifth. Johnny Vuraich (Fr.) sparked the rally with an RBI triple before a wild pitch pushed the lead to 4-2. Nash Driedger (Fr.) later added insurance with a solo home run in the sixth.
Ashland made things interesting in the bottom of the sixth by launching a two-run homer after a six-pitch at-bat, but the Triceratops bullpen shut the door.
Keagan Gilbride (So.) earned the win with four strong innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out six without issuing a walk. Spencer Mueller (So.) provided key relief, and Kyle Figuray (So.) secured the save.
Gallaher, Vuraich, Driedger, Brock Miller (So.), and Yanmaz each recorded hits for the Triceratops, while Gallaher, Vuraich, and Driedger each drove in runs. Jakob Jones (Fr.) added speed on the bases with two stolen bases as the Triceratops swiped four bases overall.
Defensively, the Triceratops was flawless, committing no errors. Nathan Hill (So.) anchored the defense with nine chances from behind the dish.
Conference Play Ahead
With the split, the Triceratops close out a challenging non-conference stretch and now shift their focus to conference play. The Triceratops begins OCCAC action Friday, April 10th at Clark State, marking the start of their pursuit to defend their OCCAC conference crown and secure a postseason berth.
The Triceratops enter conference play battle-tested and eager to begin the next chapter of the season.