SAM HOUSTON STATE 5, TROY 4
Troy took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first and held a lead into the third before Sam Houston State tied the game at three in the third inning. A pair of Trojan errors allowed Sam Houston to gain a two-run advantage in the fifth.
The Bearkats’ Luke Prihoda and Troy’s Josh Dew, two of the nation’s top closers and the pitcher of the year in the Southland and Sun Belt conferences respectively, came in late in the game. Troy pushed one run across but could get no more as Sam Houston claimed a 5-4 victory and the Trojans saw their season come to an end.
Sam Houston State will advance to the first game of Sunday’s action.
OLE MISS 4, SOUTHERN MISS 0
Ole Miss hurler Lance Lynn got off to a wild start – he threw seven straight balls to open the game and walked the bases full in the second inning – but escaped any harm and settled down to dominate the winners bracket game.
Lynn allowed a pair of hits in the sixth inning, but allowed no more, and brothers Justin and Jordan Henry stood out at the plate to hand Southern Miss its first shutout of the season. Barry Bowden had a solid effort on the mound for the Golden Eagles, but it was not enough, thanks to Lynn’s mastery in his complete-game victory. The game could have been more decisive for the Rebels, except for some standout defensive plays for Southern Miss.
The Golden Eagles will face Sam Houston State in Sunday’s first game, with the winner facing Ole Miss in the nightcap.
