Extra Base Punch Helps Cougars Down Towson
TOWSON, Md. – Avery Neaves had a standout performance with four extra base hits and four runs scored, while Tyler Sorrentino hit two home runs to lead College of Charleston to an 8-5 victory over Towson in the opening game of their CAA series.
The Cougars (32-11, 15-4) continued their impressive form, securing their 18th win in the last 20 games and claiming victory in 14 of their past 16 conference matchups to move into sole possession of first place, pending the outcome of the UNCW-Campbell game later tonight.
Neaves’ Outstanding Display
Neaves showcased his offensive prowess by hitting a triple, a double, and a home run in three of his first four at-bats. Despite missing out on the cycle by doubling again in the eighth inning, Neaves finished the game with a remarkable 11 total bases. His recent form has been exceptional, going 8-for-12 and scoring 12 runs in the last three games after being moved to the leadoff spot.
Game Highlights
Charleston got on the board early, scoring a run in the first inning on Neaves’ triple and a Cole Mathis sacrifice fly. Sorrentino added to the lead with a two-run homer in the second inning following a Kevin Madden solo shot. Neaves doubled and scored on a Mathis single in the fourth to extend the lead.
In the sixth inning, Sorrentino and Neaves hit back-to-back home runs to make it 7-2 in favor of the Cougars. Charleston added another run in the eighth inning after Neaves doubled and Mathis singled. Towson mounted a late comeback, scoring two runs in the eighth, but relief pitcher Davis Aiken entered the game and stranded two Tigers’ runners. The Tigers managed to score one more run in the ninth, but Aiken closed out the game with a strikeout to earn his 10th save of the season.
Brink Leads from the Mound
Jake Brink delivered a strong performance on the mound, pitching seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts to pick up his seventh win of the season against just two losses. The series will continue with a game on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Sorrentino and Neaves lead the offensive charge for the Cougars with Sorrentino contributing three hits and two RBIs, while Neaves drove in a run to go along with his four runs scored.
Key Statistics
Charleston Batting:
– 2B: Neaves, Avery 2
– 3B: Neaves, Avery 1
– HR: Neaves, Avery 1; Madden, Kevin 1; Sorrentino, Tyler 2
– RBI: Neaves, Avery 1; Mathis, Cole 3; Madden, Kevin 2; Sorrentino, Tyler 2
Towson Batting:
– 2B: Elijah Dickerson 1; Devan Barnett 1
– RBI: Jordan Peyton 2; Jack Lawrence 1; Chris Akers 1; Cole Stefano 1
Game Leaders
Hitting:
– Avery Neaves: AB 4, R 4, H 4, RBI 1
– Tyler Sorrentino: AB 4, R 2, H 3, RBI 2
– Cole Mathis: AB 4, R 0, H 2, RBI 3
Pitching:
– Jake Brink: ER 2, IP 7.0, SO 4, BB 2
– Davis Aiken: ER 1, IP 1.2, SO 1, BB 0
Fielding:
– Cole Mathis: PO 11, A 0
– Wood, Luke: PO 2, A 6
