AUGUSTA, Ga. - Augusta State used a 9-run sixth inning to pull away from Paine College and post a 15-4 victory Friday night in a non-conference matchup of cross-town rivals at Lake Olmstead Stadium.

Paine jumped ahead with three runs in the third, stringing together three hits and a fielder’s choice to grab a 3-0 lead off ASU starter Wilson Taylor.

The Jags, who outhit the Lions 13-9, pulled even with two runs in the fourth inning and plated a single run in the fifth to knot the game at 3-all.

ASU (4-6) then blew the game open with a nine-run sixth inning to a take a 12-3 lead. The Jags strung together six hits and took advantage of four Paine errors in the inning.

Senior second baseman Tony Baker, who went 3-for-5, had two doubles in the frame and Casey Hanrahan notched an RBI-double. Baker and senior first baseman Tristan Toorie scored three runs, while Alex Walker and Evan Smith posted 2-for-4 efforts. Walker and freshman third baseman Cole Payne each drove in a pair of runs.

Taylor (2-1) earned the win, striking out eight without a walk in 7.0 innings of work. Freshman righty Zack Breaux worked the final two innings, allowing two hits and a run while striking out four.

Alex Humphrey and Evan Howard went 2-for-4 for the Lions (2-3). Charles Wilson took the loss for PC, surrendering seven hits and six earned runs in 5.2 innings. Evan Howard tossed 2.1 innings for the Lions, giving up six hits and six runs, but just two were earned.

ASU takes on Paine again Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., at Lake Olmstead Stadium. (Box)