With men’s basketball ending in an upset for the university, Samford fans can find a cure for their March blues in the form of the Bulldog Baseball Team.
Tony David’s team has won 12 of their last 15 games, a tear that started with a four-game sweep of Bellarmine and was just capped with a three-game sweep of VMI.
The VMI sweep was punctuated by a walk-off winner at Joe Lee Griffin Field. With Samford down 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth, shortstop Garrett Howe delivered a walk-off three-run home run to defeat the Keydets.
Statistically, Howe has paced the Bulldogs offensively, with a .464 average and 39 hits, the highest stats of the team. Garrett Staton has slugged seven home runs, leading the team. On the mound, Michael Ross has been dependable with a 3.28 ERA, but the team ERA of just over 6 runs leaves plenty to be desired. Ross is 5-0 on the mound and leads the team in strikeouts. If he keeps up the pace, Ross is a prime contender to win SoCon Pitcher of the Year.
An upcoming matchup for the Bulldogs will provide a huge test of their mettle. Samford will host Mississippi State, who won the College World Series in 2021, at Joe Lee Griffin Field on Tuesday, March 26. While this is not the same Mississippi state team that took home the national championship, they are still a respected opponent. Soon after this mashup, Samford will face in-state foe Alabama, once again at Joe Lee Griffin Field. Both games are two huge home opportunities to stun SEC opponents.
Overall, Samford fans have plenty to be excited for this baseball season. With the team currently at 16-7, on a five-game win streak and 13-1 at Joe Lee Griffin Field, Samford will look to make back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in program history.
Sports Editor
