Cougars Win Game One Of Big Peach Belt Series
BY CSU Sports Information
COLUMBUS - The Columbus State University baseball team continued their hot hitting as they muscled their way to an 8-3 win over Young Harris on Thursday. The Peach Belt Conference game took place at Burger King Stadium.
The Cougars used the long ball, hitting three home runs on a windy night to lift them to the victory.
"I thought Latta did an excellent job at keeping the ball down in these conditions," said head coach Greg Appleton. "We've got some hot bats at the right time and hopefully we can capitalize on it the rest of the weekend."
CSU got started on the right foot thanks to a quick three up, three down by Jalen Latta. In the bottom of the first,Robert Brooks would then smack a home run into right center giving the Cougars the early lead.
Things got interesting in the third inning after Young Harris tied it up at one-apiece.Garrett Kirkwood drew a walk and Grant Berry followed by hitting a slow roller on the infield. Racing down the first base line he appeared to be safe but was ruled out, giving the Cougars an out with a runner on second.
CSU would then get the benefit of a dropped ball on a pop up as the Mountain Lions catcher and pitcher both watched it fall to the ground, giving Columbus State two on. Eventually, singles by Brooks and Dane Bullock would plate three runs allowing the Cougars to jump in front 4-1.
From there the Cougars blasted two more home runs to open up the game.
Bullock sent a moon-shot into left field with two outs in the bottom of the fifth and Drew Webb would follow it up one inning later with one of his own. Webb drilled a no-doubter into left as the three-run shot gave Columbus State the 8-3 advantage.
Latta was brilliant on the mound given the windy conditions, keeping the ball down while going seven strong innings. Latta (3-5) gave up just three runs and struck out six to pick up the win.
After collecting 15 hits one night ago, the Cougars followed it up with 12 hits in the opening game, giving them double-digit hits in back-to-back games for the seventh time this season.
Bullock finished a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with three RBI's including his team leading tenth home run this season.
Webb grabbed three hits and three RBI's for CSU while Brooks picked up two RBI's and runs himself.
Columbus State will battle Young Harris in the second game of the series tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.