Postgame Press Conference

WINGATE, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey's first four hitters in the lineup combined for nine hits and six runs batted in, but two big innings lifted ninth-ranked and third-seeded Columbus State to a 15-8 victory over Belmont Abbey Thursday night in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional #2.

The sixth-seeded Crusaders will face No. 7 Young Harris tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. in an elimination game.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Sean Johnson and Ben Gobbel each had three hits, while Ben Ferguson added a pair.
• Zach Aehlert and Brennan Martin rounded out the 11-hit attack. Martin homered in the eighth for the final run of the night.
• Belmont Abbey plated two runs in the top of the first. Gobbel singled up the middle to plate Adam Overcash and Ferguson.
• A three-run home run in the bottom of the inning put Columbus State up a run. The Cougars added a fourth-inning home run to push the lead to 4-2.
• Johnson singled in a run in the fourth to cut the deficit in half, then a walk loaded the bases. Ferguson laced a double down the right field line to clear the bases for a 6-4 lead.
• The Cougars plated one in the fourth and five in the fifth for a 10-7 advantage before Gobbel homered to right center with one out in the sixth.
• However, four more runs in the sixth sealed the victory.
• Belmont Abbey starter Jason White suffered the loss to fall to 8-4. He struck out five while allowing eight runs and eight hits over 4.1 innings.
• Charlie Cochran, the fourth pitcher of the night, registered a career-best four Ks in relief.