The Columbus Wildcats are off to a tough start to the season, falling to 0-3 Thursday with a 24-1 loss in five innings to Mediapolis at home.

The Bulldogs scored in each frame but the first, including an 11 run explosion in the fifth. Columbus their lone run in their final at bat. Abel Mena had two hits to lead the Wildcats. Evan Rees took the loss for Columbus allowing 20 hits, 22 runs, 14 of them earned and walking four. The Wildcats will look for their first win Tuesday when they travel to Pekin.