COLUMBUS - The Columbus State University softball team split on the first day of the 2022 Red-White-Blue Classic, falling to Auburn University at Montgomery 10-8, then beating Wingate University 4-3 in the nightcap off a walk-off from Lindsey Patton.

After today's games, the Cougars have an overall record of 5-5.

Game 1: AUM 10, CSU 8

The Warhawks and Cougars both scored two runs in the first to head into the second inning tied, until AUM scored three more in the top of the second. With bases loaded, Gia Martin started the rally with an RBI single to left field. A sacrifice fly by Chloe Derrick plated another run, then with a first-and-third play, Martin forced a throw down to second base by stealing, which allowed Olivia Aycock to steal home and score, giving AUM the 5-2 lead.

Columbus State took the 6-2 lead in the bottom of the fourth after a bases loaded walk by Caitlyn Canady to score Paige Vincent who led off the inning with a single to left field. Hannah Rose Corbin picked up two RBIs, launching a double to center field. CSU capitalized off an error by AUM's first baseman and scored one more run, giving the Cougars the 6-5 lead.

The Warhawks took back the lead in the sixth, scoring three runs off of three hits, then added two more in the seventh to make it a 10-6 ballgame.

The Cougars tried to battle back, scoring two more runs in the teams' final at bat of the game.

After pitching all seven innings, Corbin received the loss inside the circle. Corbin and Grace Kiser both went 2-for-3 at the plate with one walk apiece.

Game 2: CSU 4, WU 3

The Cougars and Bulldogs were back and forth the entire game, until Lindsey Patton hit a single to the pitcher and with a throwing error by the pitcher, allowed Corbin to score to give CSU the 4-3 victory under the nights.

CSU starting pitcher Haylee Folds held Wingate's strong offense to only two runs through 5.0 innings of work and striking out 10. With Columbus State having the 2-1 lead heading into the sixth, Savanna Brooks hit a leadoff single through the left side. This is when head coach Brad Huskisson called Corbin into the circle.

Corbin struck out the first two batters she faced, then Hannah Reeves got the best of her and ripped a two-run home run over the left field fence to give the Bulldogs a 3-2 lead.

CSU answered back in the bottom of the sixth thanks to an RBI single from Vincent, making it a tie ballgame heading into the seventh.

The Cougars kept Wingate from scoring, and with the walk-off play, the Cougars got the late-night victory.

Canady, Laura Harris and Kenzie Bayer each had two hits, while Corbin walked four times.

Corbin earned the win inside the circle and is now 5-2.

Up Next

Columbus State will face Wingate again on Sunday at 1:15 p.m. at Cougar Field on the final day of the tournament.