Seven-Run Fifth Propels Cougars to 8-3 Win at Albany State

Albany, Ga. -- Columbus State erupted for seven runs in the fifth inning at Albany State on Thursday to erase a 2-0 deficit and go on to an 8-3 non-conference win over the Golden Rams. CSU moves to 3-2 on the season with the win, while Albany State falls to 5-2.

David Lane worked into the seventh inning to earn his second win of the season. The senior right-hander fanned four and allowed seven hits and all three runs. Brian Satterfield pitched an inning and two-thirds of scoreless ball and Wade Dudley pitched a perfect ninth for the Cougars.

ASU scored single runs in the first and second innings to take the early lead. De'Marcus Price singled home Corey Reeves in the first and Jarvis Beck plated William Smalls with a sacrifice fly in the second to stake the Rams to the 2-0 lead.

CSU rapped out seven hits and took advantage of two errors to break the game open in the fifth. Scoop Pharr, Alex Montes, Ryan Lewis and Noah Watkins each drove in single runs with base hits, while Jason Rogers spanked a two-run single up the middle in the frame.  Eric Weiss scored on an error in the inning, as well.

The Rams added a run in the bottom of the fifth on a groundout by Reeves to score Eddie Mathis. CSU answered with a single run in the seventh on Eric Skinner's single to score Wes Adkins.

Weiss, Adkins and Pharr each had two hits for CSU in the contest as the Cougars collected 11 as a team. Price and Andre Jones led Albany State with two hits apiece.

CSU returns home to host Saint Leo in a three-game weekend series at Ragsdale Field. Saturday's double header is scheduled for 1 PM, as is Sunday's single-game finale.