The Cougars are proving to be one of the top teams in all of MAIS this season with each passing game.
Columbia Academy (12-6) boasts wins over quality programs such as Amite School Center, Centreville Academy and Class 2A power East Union, and now the Cougars can add Presbyterian Christian and reigning AA champ Brookhaven Academy to the list.
The Cougars jumped on PCS on their home field March 19 early with three runs in the first inning and cruised to a 5-2 win. Ras Pace and Drew Havard both had two hits and drove in a run, while Riles Stuart had an RBI base knock and Slade Wilks walked in all three plate appearances. Wilks and Tate Duncan both dominated on the bump as well. Wilks struck out seven in five strong innings to pick up the win, and Duncan struck out four in two hitless innings to get the save.
PCS got revenge, though, in Hattiesburg two nights later as the Bobcats held CA to just two hits and won 7-1. Ethan Stringer and Peyton Rowell each had a single as the Cougars struck out 11 times and left 16 men on base. Stuart took the loss, allowing six runs (two earned) on four hits and four walks in three innings. Pace tossed three solid innings in relief, allowing one unearned run on two hits and no walks while striking out three.
The Cougars bounced back Saturday on their home field to pick up their biggest win of the season over Brookhaven Academy 5-4 despite being held to just one hit. The game went to extra innings tied 2-2 before the Brookhaven struck for two runs in the top of the eighth inning. However, the Cougars responded with three runs of their own to win in walk-off fashion.
Havard picked up the lone CA hit, while Duncan had CA’s lone RBI. Duncan lasted 6 1/3 innings on the mound, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out six. Kyle Herring picked up the win in relief with two K’s in 1 2/3 innings.
The Cougars kicked off District 4 play Tuesday night in a home matchup with Laurel Christian, but results were unavailable at press time. They will play at Laurel Christian Thursday night before traveling to take on Oak Grove Saturday.
Pictured Above: Cougars catcher Patrick Gill frames a pitch against Lamar Christian March 18. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
