The Columbus State baseball team opened the 2026 Peach Belt Conference Tournament with a decisive 12-7 victory over No. 3 seed USC Aiken. Columbus State, seeded sixth, jumped to a quick lead with four runs in the first two innings. The Cougars鈥� offense was led by standout performances from seniors Cayden Evans and Bryce Knox, along with junior Jax Yoxtheimer. Despite a late rally from USC Aiken, the Cougars maintained control to secure the win, propelled by strong pitching from Sawyer Wilson.

By the Numbers
  • Columbus State scored 12 runs on 13 hits.
  • Senior Cayden Evans had 4 RBIs and finished 2-for-5 at the plate.
Yes, But

USC Aiken's late rally, scoring three runs in the ninth inning, highlighted vulnerabilities in Columbus State鈥檚 relief pitching. The Cougars will need to tighten their defense to prevent future comebacks in the tournament.

State of Play
  • Columbus State secured a place in the winner's bracket of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.
  • They will face either No. 2 seed Lander or No. 7 seed Georgia College in their next game.
What's Next

The Cougars aim to build momentum as they continue in the tournament, looking for a strong performance against the next opponent. Key players like Evans and Knox will need to maintain their hitting consistency to advance further.

Bottom Line

Columbus State鈥檚 strong offensive display and effective pitching give them a solid foundation as they progress in the tournament. Maintaining focus and bolstering their defense will be crucial for continued success in subsequent games.