MONTEVALLO, Ala. - It took extra innings but the Columbus State University baseball team picked up a crucial midweek win beating Montevallo 10-9 in ten innings. The non-conference game took place at Kermit A. Johnson Field. 

Columbus State (23-13, 9-9 PBC) grabbed the lead in the tenth inning thanks to a misjudged ball in center off the bat of Drake Kirkwood. The rally started with two outs as Dane Bullock drew a walk followed by a single into left by Drew Webb. From there, D. Kirkwood made it tough on the centerfielder allowing the Cougars to plate their two runs. 

"This was a grind out type of game but one we needed as a team," said head coach Greg Appleton. "We've had some tough losses lately so it was good to see our offense pick it up right before we head on the road this weekend."

Both teams got the scoring started early as the Cougars picked up the first run of the game in the opening frame. Matthew McDade hit a one-out single up the middle and then would find himself touching every base thanks to some mistakes by the Falcons. A wild pitch, error and a passed ball all ensued with McDade on base to eventually bring him home for the opening run. 

But Montevallo would respond immediately, and in a big way. Three straight singles loaded the bases and then a grand slam emptied them as the Falcons jumped out in front 4-1. 

The Cougars would quickly chip away at the lead the following inning after Dane Bullock mashed a two-run homer into left field, his eighth home run of the season. 

The score would remain that way until the top of the fourth inning when the Cougars hung another crooked number on Montevallo. Webb hit a two-RBI single scoring Kendall Ford and Frank Wager to give CSU their first lead of the game. One batter later it was D. Kirkwood who lifted one over the fence for his first home run as a Cougar, putting Columbus State on top 7-4. 

Bullock would take flight for the second time in the game, hitting a solo home run in the top of the sixth to put CSU ahead 8-6. 

Yet once again Montevallo would fight back and tie the game at eight-apiece in the bottom of the frame with a bases-loaded single. 

That's where the score would remain through the ninth inning as neither team was able to produce a single run for the final three innings before the game went to extras. 

Bullock led the way for CSU going 2-for-3 at the plate with three runs and three RBI's thanks to his second multi-home run game this season. 

Webb collected two hits and two RBI's while D. Kirkwood picked up two RBI's courtesy of his home run. 

Sheridan Coy (6-0) snatched the win in relief going 2.0 innings while striking out four. 

Columbus State will prepare for the upcoming weekend as they will travel to Francis Marion for a weekend series starting Friday, April 12. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.