Feb. 8, 2002

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Junior first baseman Heath Owen went 2-for-3 from the plate with a double, a solo home run and two RBI while sophomore left-handed pitcher Derek Tharpe picked up his first win of the season as Samford knocked off VMI, 11-1 in seven innings Friday afternoon at Joe Lee Griffin Field.

The Bulldogs (1-0) took game one of a three-game series by out-hitting the Keydets 16-6 in a game that was called due to the 10-run rule. Seven of Samford's nine starters in the lineup recorded hits.

Tharpe (1-0) held VMI to four hits and no runs through five innings before giving way to senior right-hander Matt Fields in the top of the sixth inning. Tharpe finished the game with four strikeouts.

Samford jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on three hits and one VMI error. Cory Sumner, who finished the game 2-for-3 with three runs scored, reached on an error by VMI's Henry Lynch. After Sumner stole second and Sae Evans singled, senior catcher Grant Caldwell doubled down the right field line to score Sumner and Sae Evans. Freshman shortstop Eli Iorg doubled to right field to score Caldwell giving the Bulldogs the early lead.

The Bulldogs added runs in the second, third and fourth innings highlighted by Owen's home run over the center field wall in the bottom of the third inning. Samford scored three more runs in the fifth inning on four hits. Sophomore third baseman Joe Denson hit a line drive solo home run over the left field wall while Sae Evans and Major Allred both knocked in an RBI each.

Owen doubled in the sixth inning and scored on a throwing error after Iorg's infield single. Samford's final run of the game came when sophomore catcher Eric Hollis singled to center field with the bases loaded to score Sae Evans.

Jeremy Harper took the loss on the mound for the Keydets (0-1). Harper gave up six hits in 2.2 innings, five runs - three earned - and struck out three batters. VMI's lone run came in the sixth inning when Chris Brooks singled to score Andy Barden.

Sumner, Sae Evans, Robert Evans, Caldwell, Iorg and Denson each finished with two hits a piece. The Bulldogs and Keydets return to the field Saturday afternoon for a double-header beginning at 1 p.m. at Joe Lee Grffiin Field.