April 28, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford baseball team will play host to the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in a non-conference contest Wednesday evening at Joe Lee Griffin Field.

Samford enters the week with a record of 15-29 overall and 8-16 in Southern Conference play. The Bulldogs were swept in their series last weekend with Elon. Samford dropped the three games by scores of 11-8, 12-7 and 12-9.

Samford is led at the plate by junior third baseman Mason Meredeth, batting .348 with nine home runs and 37 RBI. Meredeth enters the week on a 29-game hitting streak, tying the school record set last season by Michael Marseco.

Behind Meredeth for Samford, junior first baseman Bo Smith is batting .347 with five home runs and 24 RBI. Junior left fielder David Schulze is batting .346 with nine home runs and 51 RBI.

Samford is scheduled to start freshman right-handed pitcher Kyle Putkonen on the mound Wednesday evening. Putkonen has a record of 3-2 and a 9.70 ERA in 34.1 innings of work.

Alabama A&M is currently 14-24 overall and 10-12 in SWAC play. The Bulldogs played Monday night at Tennessee Tech, falling to the Golden Eagles by a score of 7-1.

Alton Ellison is leading Alabama A&M at the plate with a .357 batting average with two home runs and 27 RBI. Maverick Scott is batting .328 with nine RBI for Alabama A&M.

Alabama A&M's probable starting pitcher is left-handed freshman Juan Flores. Flores has a 1-2 record and a 10.38 ERA.

Samford and Alabama A&M are meeting for the first time since the 2005 season when Samford claimed a 15-2 win at Joe Lee Griffin Field. Over the last 10 years, Samford is 13-0 in games played against Alabama A&M. Head Coach Casey Dunn is 1-0 all-time against the Bulldogs.

Wednesday night's game can be heard locally on WVSU-FM 91.1, or worldwide on the internet at www.samford.edu/wvsu. The game can also be viewed online via SoCon TV at www.soconsports.com. Fans can also follow the game online via GameTracker at the link below.

GameTracker For Wednesday's Game