GAME NOTES--SAMFORD VS. VALPARAISO (PDF)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford baseball team will open the 2025 season by playing host to the Valparaiso Beacons in a three-game series this weekend at Joe Lee Griffin Field.
 
The teams were originally scheduled to play games Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but weather has forced a change in the schedule. The teams will now play a doubleheader Friday at 2 p.m., and then a single game Sunday at 1 p.m. These games will mark the first ever meeting between Samford and Valparaiso in baseball.
 
Samford is scheduled to start left-handed pitcher Miller Riggins on the mound in game one, right-handed pitcher Cameron Keshock in the second game and right-hander Josh Leerssen in the series finale.

Valparaiso is set to start right-handed pitcher Connor Lockwood in the first game, left-handed pitcher Lucas Foley in the second game and right-hander Spencer Boynton in game three of the series.

Samford is coming off a season that saw the Bulldogs post a record of 36-22 overall and 14-7 in Southern Conference play. The Bulldogs finished second in the SoCon regular season standings and second at the SoCon Tournament.

Samford returns just one position starter from last season. The Bulldogs must replace 78.6 percent of their hits from last season and 78.1 percent of their RBI from the 2024 season.
 
Samford was picked to finish second in the Southern Conference preseason standings. The Bulldogs had three players named second team preseason All-SoCon. Starting pitcher Miller Riggins, relief pitcher Evan Steckmesser and second baseman Jeffrey Ince were all names second team All-SoCon

Samford head coach Tony David is entering his fourth season in charge of the program, posting a 101-76 record.
 
Both of Friday's games can be seen live on ESPN+, and live stats will be available for all three games. To follow all of Samford's games this season, go to the following link: BASEBALL SCHEDULE.
 
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).