COLUMBUS - A pair of multi-run homers by
Steven Minter and
Matthew McDade propelled the No. 8 Columbus State University to an 8-5 win over Lander University in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament quarterfinals on Sunday at Burger King Stadium.
The win secures CSU's (40-9) spot in next week's Peach Belt Conference Tournament final four, which will be hosted at Burger King Stadium beginning on Friday, May 13.Â
The top-seeded Cougars were the lone team to sweep their best-of-three quarterfinal series. The remaining three quarterfinal matchups all went to a decisive third game.
The first inning was an eventful inning including a home run from both sides. Lander got the scoring started with a two-run shot from Connor Droze over the net in right field.
However, the Cougars responded quickly and one-upped the Bearcats with a three-run shot from Minter putting the Cougars in the lead. Later on in the frame, McDade singled up the middle, scoring
Colby Brabston to give the Cougars a 4-2 lead.Â
Lander (22-29) would not go away quietly, manufacturing two in the top of the third from a sacrifice fly and another on a Droze hit. Droze would later add his second home run of the day in the fifth inning.
The Cougar offense responded again after falling behind, erupting for another four-run inning. McDade hit a two-run shot over the left-field wall in the frame, while RBI hits by
Derek Wylie and
David Meadows upped CSU's lead to 8-4
Starter
Noah Windhorst had yet another strong showing as he completed six strong innings, striking out four in the process. He picked up his sixth win in the outing.
The Cougar bullpen came in and was absolutely lights out for CSU.
Leo Giannoni came in the seventh inning and was nearly unhittable for his second day in a row. Giannoni gave way to
Peyton Burton in the ninth for another save opportunity, which he converted for his fourth save of the season.Â
UP NEXT
The Cougars will host the PBC Final Four next weekend at Burger King Stadium. Times for the double-elimination style bracket will be released from the conference office on Monday.
Â