COLUMBUS, GA. – Second-ranked Columbus State University continued its winnings ways with a pair of shutouts over No.16 Francis Marion University, Friday (March 23) at Lady Cougar Field. CSU took game one 4-0, and followed with an 8-0 win in five innings in the nightcap. CSU, winners of 19 straight games, improved to 34-2 overall and lead the Peach Belt Conference with a 10-2 record. FMU dropped to 27-9 and 7-5.
In the opener, CSU scored twice in the first inning. Erin Brown singled up the middle and advanced to second on a Danielle Aszman sacrifice bunt. Brown raced to third on a wild pitch and scored as the throw from the catcher went into left field. Brittany Leverett then ripped a pitch over the left center field wall for a 2-0 CSU lead.
CSU scored single runs in the fourth and sixth innings. Cassie Cooper hit her third homer of the season in the fourth, and Cooper reached in the sixth on an error and came home on a Brown RBI double to make it 4-0 CSU.
CSU starter Amber Browning (16-0) was in control all game as she gave up only four hits, walked none, and struck out 10 batters.
Freshman southpaw Michaela Wolf (18-6) got the loss for FMU as she went six innings, allowed seven hits, four runs (three earned), with three walks and three strikeouts.
In the nightcap, CSU jumped on Wolf in the first inning. Brown and Aszman singled, and Leverett walked to load the bases for Allison Paul. Paul then delivered a two-run single. Tamela Bell followed with an RBI double to plate Leverett. Paul would later score as Cassie Cooper reached on a fielding error by the FMU shortstop for the fourth run.
CSU plated two runs in the second and fourth innings to give starter Rachael Darr (14-2) plenty of run support. Darr wouldn't need any as she tossed five innings of two-hit ball.
Wolf (18-7) was pulled after the first inning and was saddled with the loss. Jessica Johnson pitched three innings in relief and allowed four runs, four hits, four walks, and fanned one.
Christie Thompson went 1-for-3 with three RBIs for the Lady Cougars. Paul and Bell had two hits apiece with two RBIs. Leverett walked three times and scored three runs.
