By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac and visiting Coloma both tasted defeat for the first time Monday afternoon in a non-conference doubleheader at Rotary Park.
The Chieftains fell to the Comets in the opening game, 6-5. Dowagiac rebounded to take the nightcap in five innings from the Comets, 1-0.
Coloma (5-1) jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning against the Chieftains, who rallied to tie the score at 4-4 with a three-run second inning and a single run in the third.
Coloma reclaimed the lead with two runs in the top of the fourth before the Chieftains cut the game to 6-5 with a run in the bottom of the fourth.
Dowagiac had a chance to tie the score in the sixth when leadoff batter Jake Cox reached on an error and then stole second with no outs.
The Chieftains (3-1) were unable to push that run across the plate however.
Alex Garrod worked six innings for the Comets, allowing five runs on seven hits with six strike outs and just one walk.
Jordan Huey worked five innings for the Chieftains, allowing five runs on five hits with three strike outs and three walks.
Jamie Simpson worked two innings for Dowagiac. Simpson did not allow a hit while striking out two.
Cox, a freshman, dominated the Comets with a one-hitter. Cox, who also pitched well in relief against Decatur in the season opener, struck out three and walked just one.
James Bradshaw took the loss for the Comets despite allowing just one run on three hits.
Dowagiac scored the game's lone run in the third inning.
Nick File laid down a bunt single, moved to second on a balk and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Brandon Simmons then lifted a sacrifice fly to left field.
David Stuppy had a double for the Chieftains, while Mike Kasper added a single.
Coloma's only hit was a lead off single by Jamie Page.
Dowagiac is back in action on Thursday when it travels to Battle Creek to face Harper Creek in a Big 16 Conference non-divisional doubleheader. The first game is slated to begin at 4 p.m.