CSU WINS PEACH BELT BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

AIKEN, S.C.--The Columbus State Cougars scored four runs in the first and added another in the second as they defeated top-ranked Georgia College & State University 8-4 in the championship game of the 2006 PBC Tournament in Aiken, S.C. With the win, the Cougars improve to 41-18 on the season while GC&SU falls to 49-10.

The Cougars jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first inning as Kurt McKee led the game off with a double and later scored off an RBI single from Billy Howard. Brad Shea then delivered the big blow of the inning with a two-run double to right. Trent Bianco finished the scoring with an RBI single.

The Cougars built the lead up to five runs in the second inning on an RBI single from Drew Candlin that scored Jonnie Geiger. That was enough to force GC&SU starting pitcher Ryan Tabor (L, 0-1) from the game after an inning and 2/3, allowing five runs on six hits.

The Bobcats struck back in the fourth with a pair of runs. Casey Cullen doubled with one out to score Mike Deveaux, who was one of three Bobcats hit by a pitch in the game. Cullen was moved to third on a Wes Sorrells hit, then the bases were loaded as Kyle Shisler was hit by a pitch. Tripp Burt then grounded out to third, scoring Cullen but leaving runners at second and third with two out. Columbus State starter Bryan Kilgore (W, 1-3) got out of the jam by getting Rich Janofsky to ground out to short.

The Bobcats added another run in the seventh on an RBI line drive by Hans Stancil, but again left two runners on base. The Bobcats stranded nine runners in the game.

Columbus State put the game away in the bottom of the eighth, scoring three runs on a bizarre play that featured two throwing errors by the GC&SU defense that, in essence, allowed McKee to circle the bases for an inside the park home run with two runners on.

Paul Able pitched the ninth inning to close the door on the Bobcats. Johnny Floyd, who was named All-Tournament, pitched 1.1 innings of scoreless relief, his third appearance in the PBC Tournament.

CSU’s Billy Howard was named the tournament Most Valuable Player after going 1-4 with a run and an RBI. Candlin, Linton, Bianco and Shea all had two hits for the Cougars. Shea was also named All-Tournament.

Justin Mills was the only Bobcat with more than one hit as he went 2-for-5. Casey Cullen, named All-Tournament, went 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.

Both GC&SU and Columbus State are all but assured of spots in the NCAA South Atlantic Regional tournament which begins next week. The tournament bracket is expected to be released on Monday morning.

Release courtesy of Columbus State University Sports Information