ALBANY, Ga. - Robert Brooks' third-inning grand slam powered the 23rd-ranked Columbus State University's baseball team to a 6-1 victory over Albany State University on Wednesday at Golden Rams Field. 

After Albany State (11-7) took a 1-0 lead in the second, the Cougars quickly loaded the bases in the third. Connor Kirley drew a leadoff walk before back-to-back singles by Isaac Bouton and Colby Brabston brought Brooks to the plate with the bases loaded. Brooks would deliver, hitting his 14th homer of the year to put the Cougars on top 4-1.

Columbus State (19-9) starter Jamie Boatright took it from there. The lefty didn't allow another hit until the sixth. Boatright had to work himself out of a two-on, no-out jam in that frame by getting two soft pop-ups and a groundout. 

Boatright (3-0) picked up the win after allowing just one run in 6.2 innings of work. He struck out six and didn't issue a walk. Zach Brockman (1 IP) and Miles Dutton (1.1 IP, 3 Ks) helped complete the one-run outing from the Cougar pitching staff.

CSU added a single run in the fourth on a Bouton sacrifice fly. Matthew McDade was the one who got the rally started with a leadoff double. 

The sixth played out similar to the fourth as McDade doubled to begin the frame and Kirley moving him to third on a sacrifice bunt. However, Bouton wouldn't have a chance to bring home his teammate as a wild pitch made it 6-1.

Bouton (2-for-4, RBI, run), Bullock (2-for-4, 2B, BB) and McDade (2-for-4, 2 runs, 2 2B) all had two hits for the Cougars. Brooks (1-for-2) drew three walks to go along with his grand slam. 

UP NEXT
Columbus State will stay on the road for a three-game Peach Belt Conference series beginning on Saturday, April 17 in Florence, S.C. against Francis Marion University. First pitch is at 1 p.m. at Sparrow Stadium. 

COUGAR NOTES
• Brooks moved into seventh-place all-time in Columbus State history with his 37th career homer on Wednesday. He passed Larry Pittmon on the list, who played at CSU from 2002-04.
• The Cougar catcher ranks second in the PBC in homers, two behind the nation's leader Tucker Greer of Young Harris College.
• It was the third quality start for Boatright this season and his first win since defeating Claflin University on March 27. 
• The Cougars have won seven of their last eight games. 
• The win evens CSU's road record at 6-6 this season. 
• Columbus State has homered in seven straight games. 
• Bouton increased his on-base streak to 39 games on Wednesday.