AIKEN, S.C. - The Columbus State University softball team swept Peach Belt Conference opponent USC Aiken on Saturday, April 30. The Cougars improve to 27-23 (16-9 PBC) while the Pacers fall to 29-20 (11-12 PBC).

GAME 1: CSU 1, USCA 0

The Cougars (five) and Pacers (four) combined for nine hits in the almost scoreless opening game of the doubleheader. 

Both teams collected base runners but couldn't plate a run until the top of the seventh Columbus State delivered the go-ahead and winning run.

In CSU's last team at bat, Madeline Parker and Morgan Elston ripped back-to-back doubles to do the job. Parker smacked one into left center field, then Elston followed up with the winning RBI double into right center field, scoring Parker from second base.

Hannah Rose Corbin (17-9) received the shut-out victory inside the circle after striking out seven and allowing four hits.

GAME 2: CSU 5, USCA 0

Corbin jacked a solo home run in the top of the third inning to give Columbus State the early 1-0 lead over Aiken. 

In the fourth, Kenzie Bayer led off with a double to center field and Parker followed up with a single up the middle, advancing Bayer to third. Laura Harris then put CSU ahead 2-0 after ripping an RBI double into left center, plating Bayer.

The Cougars made it a 5-0 ballgame in the sixth on a two-out rally to push Columbus State for the doubleheader sweep. Three singles gave CSU three runs. With runners on first and second, Lindsey Patton collected an RBI after singling to third base to score Parker from third. Grace Kiser then hit an RBI single down the right field line, scoring Harris. Caitlyn Canady gave Columbus State the fifth run after ripping an RBI single into center field to plate Patton.

Parker led the Cougars going 3-for-4 while Canady and Kiser each collected two hits. 

Jessica Lopez (6-7) pitched five innings and struck out six to record the shut-out victory on the mound.

UP NEXT

Columbus State and Aiken will play the final game of the series on Sunday at noon.