BAY MINETTE, Ala. - In a game that featured 26 combined hits and six home runs, Coastal Alabama - South Baseball came up short in a high-scoring 15-11 loss to Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Miss.) on Saturday, Feb. 28 at home.
The Wolf Pack (15 runs on 14 hits) and the Coyotes (11 runs on 13 hits) traded big innings throughout the afternoon, but an early surge by Copiah-Lincoln proved to be the difference.
The overall record on the season falls back to .500 at 8-8 for Coastal - South ahead of ACCC action.
How It Happened
Copiah-Lincoln struck quickly, plating eight runs in the first three innings against Coastal starter Seth Payne. The sophomore right-hander recorded six strikeouts over three innings but surrendered five hits and eight earned runs, including two home runs. In addition to the strong start offensively, Copiah-Lincoln drew nine walks in the contest and capitalized on multiple free passes to extend innings. Despite falling behind early, Coastal - South responded with power of its own.
Dylan Taft delivered a standout performance at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs and three runs scored. Aiden Hughes and Jeffrey Diaz also went deep for the 'Yotes, with Diaz finishing 2-for-5 and driving in three runs. Hughes added two hits and an RBI, while Grayson Roberson recorded a pair of hits, including a double, and scored twice.
Coastal chipped away midway through the game, while continuing to apply pressure late, scoring four runs over the final two innings. However, the Coyotes could not fully close the gap.
Coleman Capaci steadied the bullpen effort with 2.2 innings, giving up just one run while striking out three. Trevor Ferris and Andrew Hicks combined to allow one run over the final two frames.
On the mound for Copiah-Lincoln, Cohen Weinhofer (2-1) earned the win after tossing 4.2 innings and striking out five. The Wolves' bullpen combined to strike out five more and limited Coastal's late push just enough to secure the victory.
In a back-and-forth battle filled with offense and momentum swings, the Coyotes showed resilience at the plate but were unable to overcome the early deficit in the 15-11 setback.
Conference Play Begins
Coastal Alabama - South Baseball returns to the field on Thursday, Mar. 5, beginning ACCC Division I play against Wallace State - Hanceville (Ala.) at home in Bay Minette. Thursday's doubleheader begins a four-game stretch between the two teams during the upcoming weekend.
FOLLOW THE YOTES
For coverage of Coastal Alabama South Athletics, follow the Coyotes on social media at /CoastalAlabamaSouth (Facebook), @CoastalAL_south (Twitter), and @coastalal_south (Instagram), or visit the official home of the Coastal Alabama South Athletic Department at https://coastalcoyotessouth.com/index.aspx
