Trojans Show Power at the Plate in 7-Game Stretch, Split Key Series
April 17, 2026
The Colby Community College baseball team packed a lot into a busy stretch, playing seven games across conference and non-conference action, highlighted by a high-scoring split with Pratt, a dramatic offensive explosion at home, and a challenging road stretch against McCook and Garden City.
The Trojans opened the run with a four-game series against Pratt on April 9, splitting the set in a series that featured both tight finishes and offensive surges. In Game 1, Colby battled into extra innings before falling 5-4 in the 10th despite a strong offensive showing. Caden Clifford led the way with three hits and a run, while Charlie Langford and Matthew Murray each drove in runs. Colby showed resilience late, taking a 4-3 lead in the ninth before Pratt answered in the bottom half and eventually walked it off.
Game 2 saw the Trojans respond in a big way. Turner Zdunich set the tone early with a two-run home run in the first inning, and the offense followed with a five-run fourth inning to secure a 6-5 win. Jacob Mraz and Jake Brooks each contributed RBI hits in that decisive frame, while the pitching staff did just enough to hold off a late Pratt push.
Back at Young Memorial Park on April 11, the series continued with two more competitive games. In Game 3, Colby jumped ahead early on an RBI single from Chase Kessler, but defensive miscues proved costly in a 3-2 loss. Despite the result, the Trojans received a solid start from Anthony Deblois, who struck out six over four innings, and strong relief work from Trey Schroeder.
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Game 4 turned into one of the most explosive performances of the season. Trailing late, Colby erupted for a massive seventh inning, highlighted by three home runs. Deblois powered the offense with two home runs and five RBIs, while Matthew Kesting and Jake Brooks also went deep. The Trojans rallied for a 13-12 win in a back-and-forth contest that showcased their offensive firepower.
Colby then traveled to McCook on April 14 for a non-conference matchup but struggled to find rhythm offensively. The Trojans were held scoreless in a 10-0 loss, with McCook capitalizing on walks and defensive errors to break the game open in the middle innings.
The road trip continued at Garden City on April 16 for another doubleheader. In Game 1, Colby delivered one of its most complete performances of the stretch, earning a 9-3 victory. Charlie Langford, Anthony Deblois, and Callum Thomson each homered, while the Trojans consistently applied pressure at the plate.
Game 2 followed a similar offensive script early, with Colby jumping out to a 6-0 lead behind home runs from Zdunich and Deblois. However, Garden City mounted a late comeback, scoring five runs across the final two innings to walk off the Trojans 8-7.
Across the seven-game stretch, Colby showed both its strengths and areas for growth. The Trojans’ lineup proved capable of explosive innings, combining for multiple home run performances and timely hitting throughout the Pratt and Garden City series. Deblois, Zdunich, Kesting, and Brooks all delivered key power numbers, while Clifford and Mraz consistently set the table with multi-hit games.
At the same time, defensive inconsistencies and late-inning pitching struggles surfaced in several close losses, particularly in extra innings and late-game situations.
As the season continues, Colby appears to be trending upward offensively, with a lineup capable of producing runs in bunches. If the Trojans can tighten up defensively and find consistency on the mound, they have the pieces to turn competitive games into wins down the stretch.