CSU rallies for win over Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. – After giving up a five-run lead, the Columbus State University baseball team rallied for a 10-9 victory over Augusta University on Saturday afternoon.

Columbus State (13-2, 2-0 PBC) led 7-2 heading to the bottom of the seventh inning, but allowed two runs in the seventh and five more in the eighth and were trailing 9-7 after eight.

Garrett Kirkwood was hit by a pitch to start the ninth and Mason McClellan followed with a single. With the tying runs on base, Frank Wager took matters into his own hands with a long home run to push the Cougars pack in front. The homer was the seventh of the season for the junior.

Justin Evans then came on to pitch in the bottom half of the frame and sealed the deal, striking out the side for his first save of the year.

“This is a really resilient bunch,” head coach Greg Appleton said. “To give up the lead late like that and come back and get the big hits in the ninth shows how much fight this group has.”

McClellan, Wager and Brooks each had two-hit games for the Cougars, with Wager driving in four runs.

CSU and Augusta (6-12, 4-7) wrap up the series on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.