HATTIESBURG, Miss. – After a 2 RBI double in the sixth and a grand slam in the seventh, the Samford softball team secured its second shutout on the season with a 6-0 victory over Southern Miss on Sunday afternoon, closing out the Black and Gold Invitational with an overall record of 3-2.
 
BOX SCORE: (PDF)
 
The final game of the Black and Gold invite turned into a pitcher's duel between freshman McKenzie Newcomb and Morgan Leinstock as each team left a combined four base runners stranded over the first five innings. Newcomb struck out five Golden Eagles while Leinstock tallied five of her own before heading into the top of the sixth.  
 
It was there that the Bulldogs registered their third hit of the game after senior Amanda Briskin singled to center field on a 0-2 count. This would be followed by the first walk from either team courtesy of graduate transfer Mary Katherine Tedder, allowing for Briskin to advance to second base. With runners on first and second, senior Timberlyn Shurbutt made her way to the plate and drove a 2 RBI double to left for a 2-0 advantage.
 
After shutting down the Golden Eagles in the bottom of the sixth, Samford would extend its lead by four runs in the top of the next inning after Mary Katherine Tedder homered to right center with bases loaded. This marked the first grand slam of the season for the Bulldogs, bringing home Amanda Briskin, Sarah Squillace, and Jordan Moore for a 6-0 victory.
 
Freshman McKenzie Newcomb made her third start for Samford, earning her second win on the season after throwing yet another complete game for the Bulldogs. The Meridianvile, Ala. native gave up zero runs on four hits while locking down seven strikeouts after 24 batters faced.
 
UP NEXT:
The Samford softball team will take to the road once again with the Bulldogs competing against Kennesaw State in a doubleheader on Friday, Feb. 18. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. at the Bailey Park.
 
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For the latest news and information on Samford softball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordSB (Twitter), and @SamfordSB (Instagram).