Albany State softball splits with Columbus State

ALBANY — The Albany State softball team snapped a five-game losing streak against out-of-conference competition, splitting a home doubleheader Wednesday against Columbus State.

The Golden Rams won the opener 3-2, while Columbus State closed out the twin bill with a 10-9 victory.

Albany State had not defeated a non-conference opponent since splitting a March 20 doubleheader with Georgia Southwestern.

Lavette Tucker delivered a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning of Game 1 to account for Albany State’s scoring. The one-out homer came after the Rams put two runners on through walks.

Columbus State, which picked up a run in the first, made it a one-run game with two out in the seventh inning on Calli Star’s solo homer. But Albany State was able to close things out when the next batter flied out to left.

Aryn McGowan (9-9) went the distance for the win, allowing just three hits while striking out six and walking 10. Darby Demarest (11-8) took the loss despite allowing just two hits.

In Game 2, Columbus State (26-16) scored four runs in the first and five in the third to take a big lead early. Elizabeth Perdue came up with a two-RBI double in the first inning to help Columbus State achieve its hot start.

Albany State (18-19) rallied later on, scoring three runs in the fourth and four runs in the sixth. The Rams scored one more in the seventh but could not plate the game-tying run.

Megan Shepherd and Brianna Murillo each had RBI doubles in the fourth inning, while McGowan connected on a grand slam in the sixth.

Jala Stewart, Mikyah Harris, Shepherd and Jordynne Baranello each had two hits for Albany State in the second game.

Helen Snavely (3-2) was the winning pitcher. Lauren Lowery (6-9) took the loss.

Albany State hosts an SIAC series this weekend, hosting Paine in a 3 p.m. single game Friday and a 1 p.m. doubleheader Saturday. The Rams are unbeaten in conference play.