May 3, 2003

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - - Sae Evans' two-run home run lifted Samford (16-31) in game one and Robert Evans hit two solo home runs in game two as the Bulldogs swept the nonconference series from McNeese State, 4-2 and 3-1, Saturday afternoon at Joe Lee Griffin Field. It was Samford's third straight victory in the series with the Cowboys (23-25) dating back to last season.

Stephen Artz (1-6) allowed one earned run on six hits in a complete game nine-inning performance to earn his first career win. Artz struck out three Batters. Robert Evans finished 3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored. Joe Denson went 2-for-3 for the Bulldogs. Brian Bernhardt led McNeese State going 2-for-4. Lavelle Morgan (1-1) suffered the loss for the Cowboys. Morgan allowed two runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings of work.

Robert Evans' first home run of the game in the bottom of the first put Samford on top, 1-0. Tommy Eubanks tied the game in the top of the fourth with a solo home run to right field.

Samford retook the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Robert Evans singled and moved to second on Justin Klinger's sacrifice bunt. Heath Owen reached on a fielder's choice putting runners on the corner. Eric Hollis grounded into a fielder's choice scoring Robert Evans for the 2-1 lead.

Robert Evans' sixth home run of the season put Samford ahead 3-1. Artz worked a 1-2-3 inning the top of the ninth to pick up the win.

Robert Evans went 3-for-4 with two home runs against the Cowboys in game two.

In game one, Samford scored four runs in the seventh and eighth innings for the 4-2 win.

Karl Huch (5-1) held the Cowboys to two runs on nine hits in eight innings and struck out four earning his team-best fifth win. Ehren Wassermann picked up his fourth save of the season in game one. Wassermann moved into a tie for second place all-time in career saves with seven total saves. Walt Nolen took the loss in relief for the Cowboys allowing two runs in 1 1/3 innings. Jacob Marceaux started the game and gave up two runs in five hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Sae Evans broke open a tied game in the bottom of the eighth. With two outs, Eric Hollis blooped a ball into right field. Sae Evans followed with his fourth home run of the season to left center putting the Bulldogs ahead, 4-2.

The Cowboys jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Bernhardt drove the fourth pitch his saw over the right center wall. Lance Dawkins reached on a fielder's choice scoring Tim Lemke who had singled as the Cowboys led 2-0 in the top of the second.

The Bulldogs scratched for two runs in a crazy seventh inning. After Hollis walked and was picked off, Sae Evans singled to left field but was caught stealing. With two outs, Kip Snowden walked and stole second. Joe Denson walked giving Samford two base runners. Matt Alling singled to right field to score Denson and was digging for second. Derek Bordelon's throw to second was there, but second baseman Bernhardt let Alling avoid the tag allowing for a two-run double tying the game, 2-2.

Dooley Prince, Dawkins and Bordelon each had two hits for McNeese State, who outhit Samford, 11-7. Sae Evans finished 3-for-4 with two RBI while Alling went 2-for-4 with two RBI.

The Bulldogs have the week off before returning to action next weekend. Samford travels to Georgia State for its final road trip in the Atlantic Sun Conference.