Samford University’s baseball team defeated North Alabama 8-2 on May 5, improving its season record to 25-21. The game took place at Mike D. Lane Field in Florence, where the Bulldogs’ defense turned four double plays and seven pitchers combined to hold the Lions to just four hits.
The result matters for both teams as Samford continues its season with momentum while North Alabama falls to a record of 24-23. Strong defensive play and effective pitching were key factors in the outcome.
Michael Fredette earned the win for Samford by pitching three innings and allowing only one hit. He was followed on the mound by Will Andre, Andrew Marble, Ryan Vermillion, Alex Gaeto, Trey Sanders, and Andrew Arnold. “It all Started with Fred in the mound,” Samford head coach Tony David said. “It was a rocky start to the year for him but he has worked like crazy and has strung together several good outings now. He was great out there today.” At bat, Jackson Harris went two-for-four with two runs batted in (RBI), while Pierce Dutton contributed two hits and two RBI as well.
David also said: “This was a really good night for our guys. We had several timely hits with runners in scoring position. It was a great night from the standpoint of getting a lot of guys in there. Lots of guys threw well and the infield put on a show again defensively with four double plays and two amazing ones by Jackson. It was also important for us to get him going at the plate. He is as good as it gets in the country at first base, and we need his bat down the stretch.” For North Alabama, Wes Walker, Will Millard, Justin Santoyo and Bryant Loving each recorded one hit.
The Bulldogs scored four runs during the second inning after an initial scoreless frame—highlighted by RBI singles from Harris—and added more runs throughout later innings before North Alabama responded late in the game.
Looking ahead, Samford will travel to Charleston for a three-game Southern Conference series against The Citadel beginning Friday evening.
