COLUMBUS - The Columbus State University baseball team scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure a 6-3 victory over Florida Southern Saturday afternoon. The nonconference game took place at Burger King Stadium at Ragsdale Field.
 
After a brilliant performance, Cougar starter Devin Dudal finally ran out of gas in the top of the eight. The Mocs strung together four singles, including three in a row to tie the game at three. CSU reliever Brady Kais ended the rally sending the game into the bottom half of the frame.
 
The Cougars (4-1) peppered singles to the outfield to quickly load the bases with just one out. Robert Brooks, Drew Webb, and Dane Bullock all found gaps to bring Will Wilbanks to the plate. After an eight-pitch at-bat, Wilbanks drew a walk to bring home Brooks to break the tie. 
 
CSU didn't stop there. Matthew McDade made it 5-3 with a sacrifice fly, and Connor Kirley recorded his fourth hit of the day to drive in Wilbanks. 
 
Florida Southern (5-1) made Kais work in the ninth. Two singles brought the potential tying run to the plate with one out. Kais dug deep, recording a strikeout and a flyout to even the three-game series at one each. 
 
Kirley continued to swing a hot bat going 4-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Wilbanks had a very productive day with a perfect 3-3 performance at the plate driving in two while also reaching base via a walk twice. Isaac Bouton also had a multi-hit day going 2-for-5.
 
However, the real star of the night was starter Dudal. After an error and a single began the game, Dudal quickly settled in striking out the side to set the tone for the day. The Mocs wouldn't get another runner to second base until the sixth while the righty retired seven in a row from the fourth until the sixth, including striking out the side in the fourth.
 
Dudal took a tough no-decision effort after the three-run eighth. On the night, the junior punched out a career-high 11.
 
Up Next
 
• Columbus State will look for the series win on Sunday with first pitch at 1 p.m. 
 
Cougar Trends
 
• The Cougars currently have three hitters with an average of .440 or higher through five games (Wilbanks .467, Horne .450, Kirley, .444).
 
• McDade recorded his second multi-RBI performance of the season on Saturday
 
• Brooks extended his on-base streak to 14-games.
 
• Webb has hit safely in all five games this season to extend his hitting streak to nine dating back to last season. 
 
• CSU had a season-high nine walks.

• Kais has appeared in three games this season tossing 3.1 scoreless innings.