Late Homer Lifts South Alabama Past Southern Miss 4-3

Mobile, Ala. — Stewart Puckett hit two home runs, including a two-run shot in the eighth inning, leading South Alabama to a 4-3 victory over Southern Miss on Sunday at Eddie Stanky Field. The Jaguars salvaged the final game of their Sun Belt Conference series.

Southern Miss, ranked No. 18 and holding a 31-13 record overall and 13-8 in league play, opened the scoring with a solo run in the third. Tucker Stockman singled, and after a bunt and a triple from Seth Smith, the Golden Eagles took an early lead.

The Jaguars tied the game in the fourth, with Blake Guerin doubling and scoring on a fielding error. Puckett then put South Alabama ahead with his first homer of the day in the sixth. The Golden Eagles responded in the seventh, with Ben Higdon and Lawson Odom driving in runs to tie the game at 3-3.

In the eighth, Matthew Russo was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on a single by Drey Barrett. Ben Higdon then singled to bring Russo home and give South Alabama a 4-3 lead. Puckett’s second homer of the game followed, sealing the victory.

Josh Och took the loss for Southern Miss, falling to 4-2 after allowing two runs on two hits in relief. Zach Stevens earned the win for South Alabama, improving to 5-1, after limiting the Golden Eagles to a run on three hits over three innings.

Southern Miss returns to action Tuesday for its final midweek game, traveling to Tulane for a 6:30 p.m. contest at Greer Stadium at Turchin Field.

Source: Original Article