COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University Athletics baseball team wrapped up its 2026 season on Saturday with a doubleheader split against Otterbein University Athletics at Clowson Field. After a tough loss in game one, the Comets responded emphatically in game two to claim the "Battle for the Oar" rivalry series and close the year on a high note.
Prior to the the doubleheader, the Comets celebrated senior day, with seniors Robby Harrison, Grayson Gulley, Kielan LaMarr, Julian McCann, Trevor Woodyard, Arnulfo Gonzalez, Ty Clifton, Casey Wilkins, Diego Astacio, and Noah Bromberg.
GAME ONE (7-0 L)
Otterbein set the tone early, plating two runs in both the first and second innings to grab a 4-0 lead before Capital could settle in. The Cardinals later added three more runs in the sixth to extend the margin and secure the shutout victory.
Offensively, the Comets were limited to just four hits on the game. Ty Clifton, Robby Harrison, Grayson Gulley, and Michael Andryszczyk each recorded a hit, with Harrison and Andryszczyk both notching doubles for Capital's only extra-base hits of the game.
Capital worked five walks as a team, including one each from Bryce Kyees, Hutch Crociata (two), Arnulfo Gonzalez, and Gio Mastrorosa, but stranded nine runners and struck out 12 times, stalling any potential offensive rhythm.
On the mound, Casey Wilkins delivered a strong relief outing, tossing 6.0 innings while allowing just three runs—only one earned—on nine hits with three strikeouts. Julian McCann added a scoreless ninth inning, while Diego Astacio recorded an out in relief.
GAME TWO (6-1 W)
Capital wasted no time flipping the script in game two, erupting for three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Charlie Colson ignited the rally with a leadoff single and later scored on Bryce Kyees' RBI double. Two batters later, Ty Clifton delivered the big blow with a two-run home run to right field, giving the Comets a 3-0 advantage.
The Comets continued to produce offensively, adding two runs in the fifth inning. Colson collected another hit and later came around to score, while Clifton stayed hot with an RBI double to extend the lead. Capital tacked on an additional run in the sixth when Colson drove in Andy Gill with an RBI single, finishing the day with a team-high three hits, two runs scored, and an RBI.
Clifton led all players with three RBIs, going 2-for-4 with a home run and a double, while Kyees added a 2-for-4 performance with a double and an RBI. Kielan LaMarr reached base three times with two hits and a walk, scoring once and adding a stolen base. Andy Gill also contributed a multi-hit effort, going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.
On the basepaths, Andryszczyk showcased his speed with two stolen bases, while the Comets totaled 14 hits as a team in their most complete offensive showing of the day.
Nash Andrix was outstanding on the mound, earning the win after throwing 8.0 innings and allowing just one run on two hits while issuing two walks and striking out two. He faced just 27 batters and kept Otterbein off balance all afternoon. Tyler Bebout entered in the ninth and retired the side to seal the victory.
With the game two win, Capital secured the "Battle for the Oar" over Otterbein, putting an exclamation point on the rivalry series. The victory also marked the final game of the season for the Comets, who finish the 2026 campaign with a 16-21 overall record. The team's 16 wins marks the most since the 2017 season.
