BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford baseball team opened the 2024 season with a 12-2, seven-inning win over Queens University of Charlotte Friday at Joe Lee Griffin Field.
 
Freshman designated hitter Angelo Prieto, in his collegiate debut, went 4-for-5 with a home run and four RBI. Josh Rodriguez went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and two RBI. Jackson Harris also homered, going 1-for-4 with two RBI. Garrett Howe turned in a 3-for-4 performance at the plate. Brooks Rice (1-0) tossed 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out eight batters to earn the win on the mound for Samford.
 
For Queens, Connor Manco homered and drove in two runs. Jurecka Landry (0-1) took the loss on the mound, throwing 3.2 innings, allowing seven runs on seven hits.
 
After neither team scored in the first inning, Samford plated six runs in the bottom of the second inning to take control of the game. Rodriguez, Prieto and Harris all homered in the inning, and John Anderson had an RBI single as Samford took a 6-0 lead.
 
Samford added a run in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Rodriguez for a 7-0 lead. After Queens plated two runs in the top of the fifth inning, Samford scored two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Garrett Staton and a wild pitch that scored Aaron Walton for a 9-2 Bulldogs' lead.
 
The Bulldogs plated the final three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to make the score 12-2 and end the game on the run rule. Lucas Steele scored on a wild pitch and then Prieto drove in two runs with a single to right field.
 
Samford and Queens will continue their series with a game Saturday. The first pitch is set for 2 p.m. from Joe Lee Griffin Field.




 
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS:
For the latest news and information on Samford baseball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordBaseball (Facebook), @SamfordBaseball (Instagram) and @SamfordBaseball (Twitter).