College of Charleston Cougars Outplay UNCW Seahawks in Series Opener
In a thrilling matchup at UNCW, the College of Charleston baseball team emerged victorious in the series opener against the Seahawks. The Cougars secured an 8-5 win, dealing UNCW their first conference loss of the season.
Brink Shines on the Mound
Starting pitcher Jake Brink delivered a stellar performance, earning his fifth win of the season. Brink pitched 6.1 strong innings, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three batters. His efforts were crucial in securing the victory for the Cougars.
Madden’s Homeric Start
The Cougars opened the scoring in the second inning when Kevin Madden launched a solo home run, his fourth of the season, to give Charleston an early 1-0 lead. Madden’s offensive prowess set the tone for the team’s performance throughout the game.
Cougars’ Offense Strikes
Charleston’s offense came alive with key contributions from Dariyan Pendergrass, Luke Wood, and Cole Mathis. Pendergrass and Wood each went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI, while Mathis added two hits and a run scored. The Cougars capitalized on scoring opportunities, putting up three runs in both the fourth and seventh innings to build a commanding 7-1 lead.
Seahawks Mount a Comeback
Despite the Cougars’ early lead, the Seahawks battled back in the bottom of the seventh inning with a three-run homer by Tanner Thach, cutting Charleston’s lead to 7-5. However, freshman pitcher Hayden Thomas stepped up to shut down UNCW, pitching a scoreless eighth inning to preserve the Cougars’ advantage.
Aiken Secures the Win
With the game on the line in the ninth inning, Davis Aiken came on in relief to close out the win for Charleston. Aiken notched his sixth save of the season, pitching a flawless final inning to seal the victory for the Cougars.
Key Performances
Throughout the game, Charleston’s lineup displayed strength and resilience, with players like Dariyan Pendergrass, Luke Wood, and Kevin Madden delivering crucial hits and runs. The Cougars’ pitching staff, led by Jake Brink and Davis Aiken, held off the Seahawks’ late rally to secure the important win on the road.
Upcoming Matchup
The Cougars and Seahawks will face off again in the continuation of the series tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. The College of Charleston will look to carry the momentum from their series-opening win and build on their success as they strive for another victory against UNCW.
