GREENWOOD, S.C. - Columbus State dropped the opening game of the Peach Belt Conference Championship Series on Thursday afternoon, falling 11-5 to second-seeded Lander at Dolny Stadium in Greenwood, S.C.
The Cougars (30-22) were stunned early, as the Bearcats (41-13) erupted for five runs in the first inning followed by two more runs in the second to build a 7-0 lead. CSU broke through in the fourth when
Michael Cruz delivered an RBI single to plate
Cayden Evans.
Columbus State trimmed the deficit further in the fifth inning, scoring three times after a two-run fourth from the hosts to make a 9-4 score.
Victor Junco connected for his first career collegiate base hit, driving in
Jackson Chizek.
Warrick Wilmot followed with an RBI single to plate Evans with Junco scoring via an error on the same play to pull within four runs.
However, Lander answered with two more runs in the sixth to stall any momentum, leading 11-5. Columbus State added a final run in the eighth inning with a solo homer from
Bryce Knox but could not generate a late rally to extend the contest further.
Inside the Numbers
- Lander held a 12-10 advantage in hits.
- Junco notched two hits, an RBI, and a run scored.
- Wilmot, Knox, and Chizek all produced two hits apiece.
- CSU finished with 10 hits and left a total of eight runners stranded.
- A combined six pitchers made appearances on the bump for CSU, allowing 11 earned runs on 12 hits, eight walks, four hit batters, and a wild pitch.
- Ryan Suppa started and picked up the loss (4-6) after tossing for just one inning and allowing six earned runs on four hits and a walk.
- Five other pitchers touched the rubber with Trenton Burnett and Connor Folds being the only two to toss for more than an inning.
Inside the Numbers
- Columbus State now faces a must-win contest tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET with hopes to force the if-necessary game.
