Parks and Ward shut down Cougars for split

LIVINGSTON — Zach Parks and Brock Ward didn’t allow an earned run as the West Alabama baseball team defeated Columbus State, 2-1, in the second game of a season-opening doubleheader Saturday at Tartt Field. The Cougars won the first game 4-3.

Both UWA and CSU come into Sunday’s rubber game of the series with 1-1 records. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

“I thought both games were well played and our pitching was outstanding,” UWA head coach Gary Rundles said. “Our bullpen was outstanding.

“I would obviously loved to have won two, but I believe this team is going to be fine,” Rundles said. “I told them before the game that little things would be the difference and it turned out they were in both games.”

Parks (1-0) worked 5.2 innings to earn the win in the nightcap, scattering five hits and striking out seven. Ward earned his first save by coaxing a two-out ground ball with the bases loaded in the sixth inning before retiring the side in order in the seventh. Four Tiger relievers did not allow a run or a hit over 4.1 innings in the two games.

“I relied on my off speed stuff tonight,” Parks said. “Brock (Ward) saved me by coming in there big. He was the man in this one.”

Mitch Holgate combined for three hits, reached on a walk and drove in two runs over the two games to lead the West Alabama attack at the plate. Trey Williamon also had three hits. Adam Chamblee had a pair of hits in the nightcap and drove in a run. Jocobby Robinson chipped in two hits in the opener.

Holgate and Robinson doubled in the first game for the only extra base hits in the doubleheader. Tyler Richburg had a pair of sacrifices for the Tigers and Brendan Collins stole two bases for CSU.

“We were aggressive at the plate today and we have to keep that up,” Holgate said. “Still, I know we can be better. We took too many first pitch strikes, but overall I thought we were seeing it pretty well.”

Bryan Headley (1-0) picked up the Columbus State win in relief of starter Mike McGinnity in the first game. Trey Watson was credited with the save. UWA starter Taylor Bratton (0-1) took the loss, allowing four runs, striking out six and walking one.

Dustin Averette and Jimmy Obermark had three hits each over the two games for Columbus State.