Jack Peak and Michael Nottleman combine for 2-hitter as Columbus takes the win on Opening Day.

Columbus High Blue Devils Principal Ms. Sonya Allen started the year off with an unbelievably fantastic ceremonial first pitch. Wilson Holland was seen giving her a few tips before the big moment. She delivered a beautiful pitch, right down the middle into the Senior’s catcher’s mitt, and was presented with a signed ball from her Blue Devils.

Senior Jack Peak (LHP/1B 6’4″ 225lb.) took the mound for opening day in his last Blue Devil season. With enough adrenaline coursing through his body to power the school, he surrendered a walk and single, putting him in a tough situation with 1st and 3rd, no outs. Harris County senior Brennan Horton grounded into a fielder’s choice, scoring 1 run. Peak then shut the door on Harris County with 2 huge strikeouts to end the top of the 1st.

Columbus got on the board in the third inning when seniors Wilson Holland and Collin Cates started off the inning with a single and a double. Courtesy runner Quintavious Fudge scored on a sacrifice fly by senior Will Taylor. The throw into third went wide, and into the dugout, allowing Cates to score and put the Blue Devils ahead. A lead they would not relinquish.

The Blue Devils put two more runs up in the fourth after senior Deuce Malone was hit by a pitch, Sophomore Michael Nottleman singled, and Wilson Holland put a ball into no man’s land in between 2nd, center, and right field, causing an error. Deuce scored as runners were advancing on contact with 2 outs. Collin Cates then found the 6 hole for a single, scoring Nottleman. Columbus’ final tally came in the fifth after Peak walked, senior Saxon Anderson singled, junior David Livingston walked, and Nottleman walked, driving in Peak.

Columbus’ two left handers were on point all night. They combined for 2 hits and 3 walks. Surrendering only 1 earned run. Peak got the win and Nottleman the three inning save.