Season Starts Hot as Yetis Baseball Sweep Opening Day in Florida

The Cleveland Community College Yetis opened the 2026 baseball season in ideal conditions, trading winter weather back home for sunshine and strong performances on the diamond in Florida on Friday, January 23. Cleveland rolled to a season-opening win over Pensacola State before completing the day with a shutout victory against host Eastern Florida State College.

Yetis 8, Pensacola State 3
Cleveland wasted no time setting the tone in the opener, jumping out early and never looking back. The Yetis scored in both the first and second innings before breaking the game open with a four-run fourth to build a commanding lead.

Wyatt McSwaim delivered one of the biggest swings of the night, driving in four runs, including a two-run single in the first inning that put Cleveland in control early. Timothy Negron was a catalyst in the lineup, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Cruise Arnold and Tyler Rosario each added key RBIs. Tanner Britt added a pair of hits and scored twice, helping the Yetis pile up nine hits overall.

On the mound, Drew Yelton earned the season's first win, throwing four scoreless innings while allowing just four hits and striking out two. The bullpen pieced together the final three frames, limiting Pensacola State's comeback chances despite a late push in the seventh.

Yetis 7, Eastern Florida State 0
Cleveland carried its momentum into the nightcap, delivering a complete team performance highlighted by dominant pitching and timely hitting. The Yetis struck early, scoring in the first two innings, then put the game away with a four-run seventh.

Connor Lindsey provided a spark in the middle of the order, finishing 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs. Tanner Britt drove in a run, while David Conner went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base. Tyler Rosario continued his strong start to the season with two hits and two runs scored, and Ethan Estes chipped in an RBI single late to cap the scoring.

The Cleveland pitching staff was outstanding, combining for a four-hit shutout. Starter Charlie Collins set the tone with three scoreless innings, striking out four. He was followed by four relievers who kept Eastern Florida State off the scoreboard, as the Yetis struck out 11 Titans and worked around eight walks without allowing a run.

The two wins marked an impressive opening statement for Cleveland Community College, as the Yetis showcased depth, balance, and composure in their first action of the season under the Florida sun.