PEMBROKE, N.C. – No. 16 UNC Pembroke banged out 17 hits and scored 12 runs to defeat Columbus State 12-6 in the rubber game of a three-game Peach Belt Conference series that took place at Sammy Cox Field in Pembroke, N.C.
Columbus State (3-8, 1-2 PBC) scored the game's first run without the benefit of a hit in the first inning. To lead off the game, J.D. Pullen struck out but reached first on a passed ball. The senior proceeded to steal second and third and later scored on a wild pitch.
The Braves wasted no time taking the lead as they scored four runs in the bottom of the first. After a leadoff walk and a single, a double by Jordan Edgerton tied the game at one. Jake Ezell would strikeout the next batter for the first out of the inning before three straight run scoring plays made the score 4-1.
UNC Pembroke (10-1, 2-1) added to their lead in the second scoring three more to make it a 7-1 game. With the bases loaded, Edgerton recorded his second straight RBI hit singling to rightfield and Brett Huffman followed with a two-run single.
CSU scored a single run in the third and fourth to cut the margin down to 7-3. Cameron Scott had a two-out RBI single in the third while Pullen brought home Jimmy Obermark in the fourth with a sacrifice fly.
The Braves responded once again scoring three runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a commanding 10-3 lead. Drew Alford doubled with the bases loaded driving in a pair followed by a Zade Denton run scoring infield single.
Run scoring doubles in the bottom of the sixth by Tyler Potter and Daniel Fraga gave UNCP a 12-3 lead.
Columbus State scored a run in the eighth as Scott singled to lead off the frame. Scott went first to third on an Obermark single and scored on the next play as Hunter Bowling hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield.
In the ninth, the Cougars put two on the board after a fielding error led off the inning. Brett Teschner would capitalize sending a double to leftfield scoring Ryan Lewis. Teshcner would later score on Obermark's third hit of the game.
Jimmy Obermark led the Cougars going 3-for-5 with a RBI and also scored a run. Martin Castro and Cameron Scott also turned in two hit performances as Castro went 2-for-5 while Scott was 2-for-4 with a run batted in.
On the mound, Jake Ezell (1-1) took the loss lasting just 1.1 innings. He allowed seven runs on seven hits. Stewart Shaw pitched two innings allowing two unearned runs while Matthew Kuhlenberg pitched a scoreless eighth.
Daniel Fraga, Jordan Edgerton and Brett Huffman all recorded three hits for UNC Pembroke. Drew Alford finished the night with a 2-for-5 performance with three RBIs.
Dale Innes (2-0) was awarded the victory after pitching seven strong innings allowing just three runs (two earned) on four hits. He struck out 14 batters while walking four.
Columbus State will have just one day to rest as they will travel to Valdosta to take on Valdosta State on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTVM, a Raycom Media Station.
