Columbus State jumped out to an early lead, plating three runs in the first three innings. Bryce Knox doubled home a run in the opening frame, and Michael Cruz delivered a two-run double in the third to put the Cougars up 3-0. They extended their lead in the fifth, making it 4-0 before USCB finally found some offensive momentum.

In the bottom of the fifth, Carson Weathers sparked the Sand Sharks' offense with a triple that brought home Terry Dean. Moments later, Jeremy Brown delivered an RBI single, cutting the deficit in half at 4-2.

Following a scoreless sixth inning, Brown provided the biggest jolt of the game, launching a three-run home run to straightaway center field—his team-leading fifth homer of the season. The blast gave USCB its first lead of the day at 5-4, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

However, the lead was short-lived. Columbus State responded emphatically in the top of the eighth, putting up five runs. Cole Eison's double down the left-field line reclaimed the lead for the Cougars before Knox took Cole Thomas (0-3) deep for a three-run homer, stretching the margin to 9-5.

The Sand Sharks refused to go quietly. In the bottom of the eighth, USCB loaded the bases, and Weathers took a pitch off the hands to bring in a run, cutting the deficit to three. But with the bases still loaded, Noah Campbell grounded out to second to end the threat.

Undeterred, USCB once again loaded the bases in the ninth. Brown walked, Jon Davis was hit by a pitch, and Anthony Storzieri singled to keep the rally alive. With two outs, Jake Tanner popped up for the second out, leaving Hudson Morgan as the Sand Sharks' last hope. Morgan lifted a fly ball to left, sealing the hard-fought loss for USCB.

The Sand Sharks return to action on Tuesday for a midweek matchup with Edward Waters beginning at 2 p.m.