Despite looking to avenge a 3-2 loss to Nicholls earlier this month, No. 12 Southern Miss also entered Tuesday night aiming to snap a two-game skid against the Colonels – and did so in dominant fashion.
The Golden Eagles (17-4) combined to throw a four-hit shutout, using eight pitchers to blank Nicholls (11-12) at Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi during the annual Hancock Whitney Classic. The final score was 4-0.
Southern Miss managed just two hits through the first three innings before breaking through in the fourth. Ben Higdon opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly that plated Matthew Russo.
The Golden Eagles added to their lead over the next two frames. In the fifth, Kyle Morrison delivered an RBI double, and in the sixth, Seth Smith brought home a run on a fielder’s choice before Gray Eubanks capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly.
On the mound, Dylan Causey got the start for Southern Miss and worked around two hits in his lone inning. He was followed by Bruce Littleton, Camden Sunstrom, Teague Broadhead, JW Armistead, Colby Allen, Josh Och, and Camden Clark, as the Colonels managed just five baserunners after the first inning.
Littleton walked two batters in the second inning before Sunstrom entered and dominated, retiring all eight batters he faced – including three strikeouts – to earn the win and improve to 2-1.
Nicholls starter Dawson Richard (2-1) took the loss after allowing two runs on three hits with two walks and four strikeouts across five innings.
Out of the bullpen, Pass Christian native and Southern Miss transfer Peyton Lacy provided a bright spot for Nicholls. Entering in the seventh, Lacy escaped a jam and tossed 1.2 scoreless innings with one strikeout.
Southern Miss returns to action Friday, opening a three-game Sun Belt Conference series against Troy at Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
Other scores
It was a successful midweek for Mississippi’s three major teams. No. 7 Mississippi State (17-4) spun a one-hitter to beat Jackson State 17-1 in a shortened contest. The Bulldogs had 12 hits, including three off the bat of freshman Jacob Parker. Ole Miss (17-5) got back in the win column, beating Austin Peay 9-5. The Rebels were led by two home runs from Tristan Bissetta.
Mississippi State and Ole Miss return to SEC play this weekend, with the Rebels hosting Kentucky and the Bulldogs hosting Vanderbilt. Both openers begin at 7 p.m.