COLUMBUS - Quincy University jumped on the No. 8 Columbus State University baseball team and never looked back, picking up a 15-3 win over the Cougars on Friday night. It was the first game of a four-game non-conference series at Burger King Stadium.

QU (3-1) scored two runs in the first and third, while a single run in the second built an early 5-1 lead.

"We knew these guys were going to come down here and compete," commented head coach Greg Appleton. "We just have to be better at the fundamentals, and avoid getting down in an early hole."

Austin Simpson got the scoring started with a two-run homer in the first off of Cougar starter Devin Dudal. 

The two teams exchanged runs in the second. CSU (10-3) picked up its run on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Isaac Bouton. 

A two-out error in the third haunted the Cougars. Simpson drew a walk with two outs to get the rally started before Nolan Wosman smacked a double to left field. Zach Parks put the ball in play, but a throwing error allowed Simson and Wosman to score.

The Hawks added single runs in the fifth and sixth until blowing the game open with a six-spot in the eighth. The first six hitters reached safely for QU with another CSU error aiding the Hawks.

Luke Napleton capped off the scoring with a two-run homer in the eighth. CSU scored two runs in their half of the eighth after a throwing error.

Dudal (2-2) took the loss after allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits. Three other CSU pitchers saw action.

Spencer Walker (1-0) tossed seven strong innings, allowing one run on six hits. He struck out five in the effort. 

Napleton (3-for-6) drove in three and scored three times to lead Quincy.

Robert Brooks (2-for-5, run) and Matthew McDade (2-for-4) collected two hits for Columbus State.

UP NEXT
Columbus State and Quincy will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. at Burger King Stadium.

COUGAR NOTES
• It's the first time CSU has allowed 10 or more runs in a game in 2022
• Steven Minter extended his on-base streak to 16 games, while Bouton's hitting streak is up to eight games
• It's the first time the Cougars didn't tally an extra-base hit
• CSU made three errors and have made at least two in four straight games
• It was the first-ever meeting between Quincy and Columbus State