AIKEN, S.C. - The eighth-ranked Columbus State University baseball team won its eighth straight game after claiming an 8-2 win over USC Aiken to begin a three-game Peach Belt Conference series at Roberto Hernandez Stadium in Aiken, S.C.

Devin Dudal was the star in game one, throwing seven strong innings to pick up his fourth win of the year. The senior struck out nine while allowing just one unearned run.

"Our pitchers did a good job setting the tone and allowing our hitters get to work," said head coach Greg Appleton. "We got to keep taking advantage of free passes and jumping on teams early."

USC Aiken (8-11, 2-2) jumped on top thanks to an RBI single from Scott Huntley. However, Dudal induced his second straight inning-ending double play to escape further damage.

CSU used patience at the plate in the fourth as six free passes helped the Cougars plate four runs. Connor Kirley had a crucial squeeze bunt in the inning to put CSU ahead 2-1. 

That would be plenty for Dudal. The righty put up three more zeros on the board, including getting another double-play ball in the fifth. Dudal and Robert Brooks pulled off a strike-him-out, throw-him-out to end the Pacer fourth inning as well.

After Columbus State scored two in the sixth, Brooks made it 7-1 in the eighth on an RBI single to center. 

The Pacers scored a run in the eighth after a Cougar error but a solo homer from Colby Brabston in the ninth pushed the lead right back to six.

Peyton Burton threw a clean ninth, including getting USCA to roll into their fourth double play of the day.

Five Cougars picked up a hit on Saturday, with Brooks ending the day with two RBIs. Five other CSU played picked up an RBI.

Hunter Steger (0-4) took the loss after not allowing a hit in a 3.2-inning start. Steger had command issues though walking six and hitting four.

UP NEXT
The two teams will wrap up the three-game set with a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m.

GAME NOTES
• CSU's eight-game winning streak is the longest since ending the 2020 COVID-19 shortened-season on an 11-game streak
• The Cougars have homered in eight straight 
• The nine strikeouts are a career-high for Dudal in PBC play. He now has two 9+ strikeout games this season
• David Meadows is now on a 10-game hitting streak
• Isaac Bouton's and Steven Minter's impressive on-base streaks continue. Bouton has now reached base in 29 straight, while Minter's streak stands at 24
• The Cougars have won three straight over USCA and now lead the all-time series 53-37