GREENWOOD, S.C. – The sixth-seeded Columbus State baseball team continues to avoid elimination from the 2026 Peach Belt Conference Tournament, taking an 8-2 decision over second-seeded Lander University inside Dolney Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Cougars carried momentum from their afternoon game into the nightcap, scoring two runs across the first two innings on sacrifice flies from senior Bryce Knox and junior Corey Berry.
- Lander responded quickly with its first run of the game in the bottom of the second to cut the deficit in half and eventually evened the score at 2-2 with a solo home run in the fifth inning.
- Knox led off the sixth inning with a single before junior Cole Eison and fellow senior Michael Cruz reached on a fielder's choice and a hit by pitch, respectively, to load the bases.
- Sophomore Luke Miller stepped to the plate and crushed a grand slam over the right field wall to give CSU a 6-2 lead.
- Senior Cayden Evans added two more runs in the frame with a two-out RBI double to put the Cougar ahead by an 8-2 score through five and a half innings of action.
- On the mound, senior Tucker Starling (5-1) was sensational in his second appearance of the weekend to earn the victory. The Hogansville, Ga., struck out a career-high eight batters across six innings, allowing just one run on three hits out of the bullpen.
NOTES
- Redshirt-junior Nathan Webb got the start and went two innings on the mound, giving up just one run on one hit with a strikeout, while junior Danny Hershberger pitched a scoreless inning of relief out of the bullpen.
- Miller led the Cougars with a 2-for-4 night, including the go-ahead grand slam as well as four RBI and two runs scored.
- Senior Michael Cruz was 2-for-3 with two doubles and a run scored, while Evans also had two hits, including a double, and two RBI.
- Senior Jax Yoxtheimer reached base twice via walk and recorded two stolen bases and two runs.
UP NEXT
Columbus State and Lander face off again tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m in the bracket finale. The winner will advance to a best-of-three championship series against the University of North Georgia which won its bracket without dropping a game. The championship series will take place at Bob Stein Stadium on the campus of UNG in Dahlonega, Ga. on May 7-8.
