EMERSON, Ga. – The Lee baseball team jumped out to a 9-2 lead over the first three innings and went on to a 12-9 win over a Columbus State University team that is ranked No. 6 nationally in NCAA Division 11.
The Cougars carried an overall record of 20-4 into the single nine-inning contest and are leading the Peach Belt Conference with a 9-1 mark. On the other hand the Flames are suddenly burning hot and moved back to the .500 mark at 12-12.
"I'm really proud of our team, and in particular our offense," said head coach Mark Brew after the big win. "Our offense has really grown this year and we are getting production throughout the line-up. We did a great job with aggressiveness on the bases and getting the two big innings early was a key to winning the game."
The Flames pounded out 14 hits against six Columbus State pitchers. Senior Chris Adams continued his recent surge at the plate, blasting his eighth and ninth doubles of the year. He finished with three hits, driving home a run and scoring twice.
Freshman Tyler Payne also delivered three hits. He batted in a run and put two scores on the board. Speedster Geremy Walton produced a triple and a one-base knock. He had a pair of RBI and scored once.
Miguel Pimentel, getting the starting assignment behind the plate had two hits, scored twice and collected an RBI. Ben Holland ripped his 12th two-bagger of the campaign. He improved his RBI production to 34 by plating three Flames. He also scored. Trent Hill got into the act with a hit and RBI. Luke Toms got the other Lee hit and also posted a run.
The Flames also used six hurlers in getting the victory. Corbin Lamb improved his record to 2-0 in gaining the decision. The lefty pitched three innings, allowing two hits and one earned run.
"Corbin continues to give us a big lift out of bullpen," noted Brew "He really did a nice job in his three innings of work. Others (pitchers) are coming along as well and we hopefully are creating some momentum at the right time."
Dallas Bryan was the Lee starting pitcher and worked two innings. Michael Ray and Gage Carpenter toed the rubber for an inning apiece. Christian Bokich was called on for 2/3 of a frame while Kyle Briner came on for 1 1/3 innings and recorded his second consecutive save.
The Flames will travel to Rome, Ga. for a three-game series against Shorter University on Saturday and Sunday. "It's a big weekend at Shorter for our team," stressed the Lee skipper. "It's an opportunity to take a step forward in the conference, but it will not be easy. Shorter is viewing this weekend the exact same way. We will need to play well to win the series."
