MACON, GA. – The Samford softball team finished its three-game series at Mercer today. The Bulldogs surged past Mercer with a 4-1 comeback victory, powered by a dramatic four-run sixth inning. The win pushes Samford to 11-21 overall and 2-1 in Southern Conference play, earning the series victory after dropping game one.
The Bulldogs managed to threaten with base runners right away, as they loaded the bases with three straight two-out walks but were unable to capitalize against Mercer's pitching, stranding all three runners. Mercer jumped ahead early, striking first on a solo home run by Avery Barton in the bottom of the first off Samford starter Brandy Phillips.
Both pitchers settled into the game as through the first four innings, there were just two combined hits in the game. The Bulldogs had another rally in the fifth, as they had two singles and loaded the bases with two outs, but once again left them loaded as it looked like it wasn't going to be their day offensively.
The turning point arrived in the top of the sixth. With Samford trailing 1-0, Addison Smith reached base, setting the stage for Ella Nelson. Nelson launched a two-run homer to deep left field and vaulted the Bulldogs into the lead. Moments later, Katie Hart reached and Joi Hubbard followed with another two-run blast, this time to center, stretching the advantage to 4-1 and putting Samford firmly in control.
The Bulldogs locked down the win behind a strong complete-game effort from Brandy Phillips, who scattered just two hits and one run while striking out six. Phillips kept the Mercer lineup in check all afternoon, stranding five base runners and retiring the side in order in the final frame. Hubbard finished with three hits and two RBIs, while Nelson matched her with two RBIs of her own in Samford's late offensive outburst.
The series win puts the Bulldogs in good starting postion in the SoCon standings, just behind UNCG and Western Carolina, who started 3-0. The Dogs have a midweek on the road at Alabama State on Tuesday before hosting Chattanooga at home next weekend for Alumni Weekend.
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