JONESBORO, Ark. — Davis Gillespie drove in three runs and Grayden Harris pitched six shutout innings to lead No. 7 Southern Miss to a 7-1 Sun Belt Conference victory over Arkansas State Saturday evening at Tomlinson Stadium.
The Golden Eagles improved to 16-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play, evening the series after losing 8-5 on Friday night. Gillespie gave Southern Miss an early lead with a home run in the first inning. After Matthew Russo drew a one-out walk, Gillespie’s opposite-field shot cleared the right field wall for his fourth homer of the season.
Harris limited the Red Wolves to six hits over six innings, striking out four without issuing a walk. He improved to 4-0 with the win. The Golden Eagles added a run in the sixth inning, when Ben Higdon reached base four times and scored on a double play. Starter Jack Nelson took the loss for Arkansas State, falling to 1-2 after allowing three runs on five hits in six innings.
Southern Miss extended its lead in the ninth with four insurance runs. After a flyout, Tucker Stockman drew a walk and Seth Smith singled. Freshman Gray Eubanks drove in his first collegiate run with a single, loading the bases. The Red Wolves brought in a third pitcher, who walked Russo to force in a run. Gillespie then hit into an RBI fielder’s choice, Higdon doubled in another run, and the inning ended with the Eagles up 7-1.
The series continues Sunday at noon, with the game moved up an hour due to potential bad weather. The contest will be streamed on ESPN+ and broadcast on Southern Miss Sports Network affiliates.
