BOX SCORE (PDF)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Samford softball team plated six runs in the top of the first inning, four coming on a grand slam by Lexie Higgins, on its way to an 11-6 win over Tennessee State at the Belmont/TSU Invitational Saturday at TSU's Tiger Field.

In the top of the first inning, Hannah Trombley singled up the middle to drive in Shelby Maze, who had earlier reached on a fielder's choice, for the game's first run. Madison Couch was later hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, bringing home Ryan Brzozoski for a 2-0 Samford lead. Higgins then hit a grand slam to left-center field to make the score 6-0.

Tennessee State came back with three runs in the bottom of the first inning to cut the lead to 6-3. Reese Weber singled up the middle to drive in Sarah Snell for TSU's first run. Maddison Clark was later hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and then Kasey Cox walked with the bases loaded for TSU to close to within three runs.

Samford plated two more runs in the top of the fourth inning to push its lead to 8-3. Higgins walked to lead off the inning and later scored on an error after stealing third base. Ashlyn Barnes later scored on a sacrifice fly by Maze for a five-run Samford lead.

The Bulldogs plated an additional two runs in the top of the fifth inning. Kathryn Jackson doubled to center field to drive in Kelsey Royalty and Mekhi Mayfield for a 10-3 Samford lead.

Tennessee State added a run in the bottom of the fifth inning and each team scored a run in the sixth to make the score 11-5. The Tigers plated one final run in the bottom of the seventh inning to make the final score 11-6.

For Samford in the game, Higgins homered and drove in four runs in a 1-for-3 performance at the plate. Jackson went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Trombley was 2-for-3 with one RBI.

McKenna Gillespie (1-7) earned the win, tossing 4.0 innings, giving up three runs on four hits. Emily Barnett pitched the final 3.0 innings to pick up her first save of the season.

Tennessee State was led by Weber, going 3-for-4 with two RBI. Clark drove in two runs for the Tigers. Tori Hart (0-2) pitched 4.0 innings, giving up 10 runs on eight hits to take the loss in the circle for TSU.

With the win, Samford improves to 6-22, while Tennessee State falls to 3-22. Samford will take on Rhode Island this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at Belmont's E.S. Rose Park.

To follow each game of the tournament, click on the link below.

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