EMERSON, Ga. – Columbus State (Ga.) built up a 6-1 lead after four innings and then turned back Lee rallies in the seventh and ninth innings in posting a 6-3 non-conference victory over the Flames on Wednesday evening.
The top of the Cougar order did the majority of the damage on offense.
Lead-off man Brendan Collins collected three hits in four trips to the dish. He scored two runs. Mike McClellan stroked a double and single. He drove home three runs and tallied one another.
Blaine Miller and Joey Lewis also doubled for Columbus State. Miller garnered an RBI while Matt Nettles and Tim Massengale also picked up an RBI apiece. All totaled the Cougars collected 11 hits off five Lee hurlers.
Big Ben Holland was a part of all three Lee runs. He homered in the seventh inning and doubled home a run in the fourth. Siosi Poti added two hits to the Flames seven-hit attack. He scored in the fourth. Nate Wierzgac contributed a two-base hit and single. Chris Adams scored Lee's final run in the ninth.
"We had too many non-competitive at bats with the 10 punch outs, many with runners on base and several strikeouts looking. We have to be better in those situations, "stressed the coach after his team dropped to 17-10-1 on the year.
Caleb Kutsche (3-0) was the starting and winning Columbus State pitcher. He gave up five hits and two earned runs over seven innings. Trey Watson (5-4) came on in the ninth to record the save. The Cougars improved to 18-10 overall.
Ridge Ackerman (3-1) was the starting and losing Lee hurler. In three innings he allowed six hits and two earned runs. Corbin Lamb, Michael James, Grayson Bailey and Chevis Hoover also got mound time. James was impressive, working 2.1 innings and fanning three batters. Hoover and Bailey did not allow a run.
"James, Bailey, and Hoover did a good job settling us down and keeping us in the game," allowed Brew.
The Flames will use Thursday to regroup and then travel to Pensacola on Friday to begin a three-game GSC series with West Florida on Saturday and Sunday.