VAN BUREN – Behind a masterful performance on the mound from Blake Gaulden, the Columbian Tornadoes weathered a defensive battle to secure a 3-0 victory on Monday afternoon.

Gaulden was the story of the day, turning in a complete-game shutout. The Tornadoes’ ace kept the opposition off balance from start to finish, leading a pitching staff that racked up seven strikeouts and refused to let a single runner cross the plate.

Columbian wasted no time establishing an advantage. In the top of the first inning, the Tornadoes manufactured a run through disciplined situational hitting. Braden Egbert drove a deep sacrifice fly to the outfield, allowing the first run of the game to tag and score.

The lead grew in the third inning when Jayce Arias came through in a high-pressure moment. Arias grounded out to the right side, but the contact was enough to usher another runner home, doubling the Columbian lead to 2-0.

Arias drove the middle of the lineup for the Tornadoes, leading the team with two runs batted in. The left fielder finished the day 1-for-4 at the plate. Alongside Arias, Jaxson Little and Kyle Hepp each collected a hit to help anchor the offense and keep the pressure on the defense.

With the momentum of a shutout win at their backs, the Columbian Tornadoes will look to keep the streak alive as they travel to Sandusky for their next matchup this Wednesday.