Eagles Explode for 41 Runs in Dominant Season-Opening Sweep at Goodland
March 26, 2026
The Colby High School Eagles baseball team wasted no time making a statement to open the 2026 season, delivering an emphatic doubleheader sweep on the road against Goodland behind a relentless offensive attack and dominant pitching performances.
Game one set the tone early, as Colby erupted for five runs in the opening inning and never looked back. After a pair of early outs, the Eagles strung together a flurry of extra-base hits and timely singles to seize control. RBI doubles from Cobin Curry and Kasen Stramel, followed by contributions from Talon Wark, Conner Surmeier, and Reid Ryan, quickly pushed the lead to 5-0 before Goodland had a chance to settle in.
That momentum carried throughout the game as Colby continued to pile on runs in every inning. The Eagles showcased patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning, capitalizing on walks, wild pitches, and defensive miscues to extend their lead. By the fourth inning, Colby had built an overwhelming advantage, eventually finishing with a staggering 25 runs.
While the offense drew attention, Braxton Withington delivered a standout performance on the mound. The right-hander controlled the game from the outset, tossing four innings while allowing just two hits and one run, striking out an impressive 10 batters. His ability to consistently get ahead in the count and finish hitters kept Goodland off balance all afternoon.
Colby’s offensive leaders in game one reflected the team’s depth and balance. Curry and Wark each scored five runs and collected three hits, while Stramel and Surmeier each drove in four runs on two hits apiece. The Eagles’ lineup produced from top to bottom, creating constant pressure that Goodland could not overcome.
Game two presented a slightly tighter contest early, as Goodland managed to take a brief 1-0 lead in the first inning. However, Colby responded quickly, tying the game in the second before regaining control with a two-run third inning sparked by a clutch two-RBI single from Curry.
From there, the Eagles continued to build their lead with disciplined at-bats and opportunistic play. Colby took advantage of defensive errors and continued to manufacture runs through aggressive baserunning, steadily pulling away. A big sixth inning helped put the game out of reach, as the Eagles once again showcased their ability to string together quality plate appearances.
On the mound, Conner Surmeier turned in another strong performance, working 4.2 innings while allowing four runs on four hits and striking out 11. His ability to generate swings and misses proved critical in limiting Goodland’s chances to mount a comeback.
Offensively in game two, Braxton Withington led the way with two hits, two RBIs, and three runs scored, while Curry added two RBIs and Reid Ryan contributed a pair of RBIs as well. The Eagles’ continued ability to produce across the lineup remained a defining factor in the victory.
By the end of the doubleheader, Colby had compiled an eye-opening 24 hits and 41 total runs across the two games, underscoring both their offensive firepower and their ability to capitalize on nearly every opportunity presented.
The season-opening sweep not only highlighted the Eagles’ depth and execution but also set a confident tone moving forward. With dominant pitching performances and a lineup capable of producing in bunches, Colby appears poised to be a formidable force as the 2026 season unfolds.