COLUMBUS – Columbus State University baseball erupted for 13 runs in the first two innings and cruised to a 19-1 victory over Claflin (S.C.) in the opener of a three-game Peach Belt Conference baseball series on Friday night at Historic Mirmow Field.
The Cougars (25-20, 15-10 PBC) sent 13 batters to the plate in the first inning, scoring nine runs, and added four more in the second to build a commanding lead. CSU finished with 13 hits, 12 walks, and three home runs on the night.
Luke Miller led the charge, going 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, and three RBIs.
Ian King also went 2-for-4 with a triple and scored three runs, while
Cayden Evans chipped in a 2-for-4 day with a double and two RBIs.
Cole Eison launched a solo home run and totaled three RBIs, and
Tyson Kirkland smashed a three-run homer.
Warrick Wilmot added a solo home run and drove in two as well.
On the mound,
Trace Goforth (4-2) fired six strong innings, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out eight.
Christian Harmon closed out the contest with a perfect seventh inning, striking out the side.
Inside the Numbers
- Miller led the way with three RBIs and three runs while going 2-for-4 with a double and a triple.
- Evans followed with a 2-for-4 performances with a double, two RBIs, and a pair of runs scored.
- Both Evans and Miller lead the club in batting average, hitting .371 and .323, respectively.
- In addition, the duo has combined for 119 hits, 66 RBIs, and 79 runs scored.
- Friday's game is the ninth this season with two or more homers in a game and the third time with three or more.
- Eison's long ball is the 10th of the season, capturing a solo lead for the team's best.
- Wilmot follows with nine on the season, knocking a homer in five of the last nine contests.
- Kirkland's three-run bomb is the first homer of his career as a Cougar.
- Goforth struck out eight batters for his fourth win, walking one and allowing just three hits.
Next Up
- Columbus State will continue the series with a doubleheader against Claflin beginning Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.