Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 PEMBROKE, N.C. - The 25th-ranked Columbus State University dropped both games of a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader to 24th-ranked UNC Pembroke on Saturday at Cox Field. 

The Braves (29-10, 25-7 PBC) took both games by two runs, winning 5-3 to begin the series and 9-7 in the nightcap. 

Despite the losses, the Cougars (24-14, 18-13) clinched a berth in the upcoming PBC Tournament thanks to Lander University's 5-4 victory over USC Aiken on Saturday.

Game One (UNCP 5-3)

The series opener turned into a pitcher's dual after both teams scored runs in the first. The Cougars started on the right foot as Isaac Bouton ripped a leadoff double down the left-field line before a one-out single by Robert Brooks put runners on the corners. Steven Minter followed with a single to right to put CSU on the board.

UNCP responded in its half with the Braves taking a 2-1 lead. Cougar starter Jalen Latta allowed two singles and a hit a batter to load the bases with one out. Garrett Littleton came through with the early big hit, singling up the middle to score two for the Braves. Latta got out of the jam by striking out the next two hitters he faced.

After the Cougars tied the game on a Colby Brabston solo homer in the third, both pitchers settled in. Latta allowed just one base runner in the third and fourth before having to work out of trouble in the fifth. UNC Pembroke strung together two hits in the inning, but the senior induced a groundout to keep the game tied. 

Latta sat down the side in order in the sixth to set up a Cougar rally in the seventh. A six-pitch leadoff walk by Will Wilbanks put instant pressure on UNCP starter Bucky Bonynge, while a one-out bunt single by Connor Kirley put two on for the top of CSU's lineup. A fielder's choice erased Wilbanks and put Bouton on first before another bunt single, this time by Brabston, loaded the bases for Robert Brooks. The slugger drew a walk to force home the go-ahead run against UNCP reliever Branden Kunz.

However, the lead didn't last long as a three-run home run by River Ryan put UNC Pembroke ahead 5-3.

Columbus State put a runner on third in the eight off of a Dane Bullock triple but wasn't able to push him across. Ryan threw a perfect inning in the ninth to secure the save and the win.

Bouton (2-for-5, 2B, run) and Brabston (2-for-5, solo HR) had two hits for the Cougars.

Latta (3-4) allowed five runs in the 6.1-inning outing. He struck out seven, while allowing five runs on nine hits. Brady Kais tossed 1.2 perfect innings out of the bullpen.

Game Two (UNCP 9-7)

Columbus State again struck in the first, this time putting up a three-spot to begin the game. After a groundout, CSU put the next four hitters on, including RBI singles by Minter and David Meadows. Meadows had the big blow in the inning, singling in front of the right field to make it 3-0. 

Cougar starter Jake Hershman came out of the gates hot for the second straight start. The righty tallied three strikeouts over the first two innings, while allowing just a single. 

The bottom of the third was a different story though. Hershman hit the first two batters he faced in the frame before a walk loaded the bases for the Braves. UNCP inched closer as back-to-back singles made it a one-run game. Hershman overpowered the next three hitters to collect three more strikeouts. 

The Braves came right back with two more runs in the fourth. Hershman nearly got out of the inning unharmed after hitting the first batter he faced for the second consecutive time. The righty got the next two hitters he faced before a single put runner on the corners. A wild pitch tied the game at three, but a walk extended the inning for Gage Hammonds. Hammonds made the mistakes hurt, giving the Braves the lead on a single to center.

Noah Windhorst entered the game in a high-leverage situation in the fifth when the Braves loaded the bases with two outs. The second-year freshman slammed the door shut on the rally, striking out Trevor Clemons to put the momentum back into the Cougar dugout.

Columbus State went on the attack in the sixth as a Bullock and Wilbanks slammed back-to-back doubles to tie the game at four. Matthew McDade followed with a single to give Columbus State a 5-4 lead.

Like they did all day, the Braves had an answer. Ryan began the inning with a double but was almost stranded there after Windhorst punched out the next two hitters. After a walk, a two-run triple by Christian Jayne gave a 6-5 lead back to UNC Pembroke.

CSU's best chance to tie the game came in the eighth when Bullock found another gap in right-centerfield with one out. However, a flyout and a groundout left the senior there.

UNCP scored three insurance runs in the eighth, including getting a two-run homer from Bobby Dixon. 

The Cougars made things interesting in the ninth, thanks in part to two UNCP errors. With CSU down to their final out, a throwing error scored Win Johns from second and extended the game. Minter kept CSU alive with a single, and on the play, another throwing error made it 9-7. With the tying run at the plate, a strikeout ended the game.

Brooks (2-for-5, 2 runs), Minter (2-for-5, run) and Bullock (2-for-4, 2 2B, run) all had multi-hit games for CSU.

Windhorst (4-2) took the loss after allowing five runs (three earned) in 3.1 innings of work. Hershman struck out eight in the 4.2-inning start. Four runs came across against the righty on six hits. UP NEXT
Columbus State will play the regular-season finale on Sunday against UNC Pembroke. First pitch is at 1 p.m.