Feb. 23, 2001

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss sophomore Jeff Cook hit a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift Southern Miss to a 5-2 come-from-behind victory over Samford at Pete Taylor Park Friday night.

Samford (1-6) led Southern Miss (7-3) 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth with one out, when Bulldogs pitcher Major Allred walked Michael Artman. Artman then moved to second when Samford second baseman Michael Collins dropped a pop fly, allowing Allen Winningham to reach base. Darren Welch was walked to load the bases before Cook hit his first career grand slam over the left field wall.

Samford starter Ty Dedmon only gave up one hit over 6.1 innings, walking seven and striking out eight. Shane Weeks relieved him in the seventh inning, pitching one inning, giving up one run on one hit, and Major Allred (1-2) took the loss, giving up four runs on one hit, walking two and striking out one in one inning. Southern Miss pitcher Chad Rogers threw a complete-game victory, allowing two unearned runs on six hits, walking two and tying his career high with 11 strikeouts.

Samford took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning and led until USM's last at bat. Collins led off the second inning with a walk and moved to second on an error by the Golden Eagles' shortstop, allowing Sae Evans to reach base. After Corey Sumner pushed the runners to second and third, Robert Evans singled to right, bringing in both runs.

The Golden Eagles were kept at bay most of the game, scoring their first run in the eighth inning. Brad Montgomery was hit by a pitch to reach first and then scored when Dusty Haley doubled down the left field line.

Offensively, Samford was led by Robert Evans, who was 3-for-4 with two RBI . USM was led by Cook, who was 2-for-5, scoring one run and driving in four.