A&M defeats Samford Baseball, 5-3

NORMAL, Alabama – For the first time in school history Alabama A&M baseball defeated Samford University, 5-3 on "The Hill", Wednesday afternoon.

The Bulldogs shook off a slow start and broke up Samford's perfect game in the fourth inning. A&M answered with five runs in the next three frames to hold a lead they would never relinquish.

A&M improved to 11-19, while Samford dropped to 17-12 overall.

Samford charged back with two runs in the last two innings, but couldn't overtake the Bulldogs. AAMU finished the day with five runs on nine hits and one error, including a home run by Caleb Waddell. Samford had three runs on eight hits and an error, stranding 10 on-base.

Leadoff hitter Ramon Nelson led the way with a 2-for-4 performance, driving in three RBI's. Jordan Friend also notched two hits on the day.

Relief pitcher Ryan Ahrens picked up his second win, giving up just one run on four hits in five innings.

"Our pitching staff did a really great job today," said head coach Mitch Hill.  "We played defense well. This was a really big win for us."

Starting pitcher Derrick Winter allowed one earned run on two hits in three innings. Andrew Utterback was credited with his first career save, allowing just a run on two hits in an inning.

Cody Pugh took the loss for the Samford Bulldogs, giving up three earned runs on three hits in four innings.

Austin Hulsey broke up the Samford perfect game with a double in the fourth inning. Utterback then reached first base with a single, scoring Hulsey, to tie the contest at 1-1.

The Bulldogs loaded the bases in the fifth, when Caleb Waddell reached on an error by the third baseman. Dylan Johnson then singled to center field advancing Waddell.  Keyonta Welch was then walked to load the bases.  Later in the inning, Nelson's double to left field drove in all three runners to stretch the lead 4-1.

In the sixth inning, Waddell with two outs, went yard over left field wall giving the Bulldogs the insurance runs.

"I got a pretty good swing on it and I wanted to help my team win," said Waddell. "That was my first homerun in my A&M career, and it felt great."

Samford threaten in the eighth. An error by the Bulldogs allowed Filliben to score cutting the deficit 5-3.

Caleb Bryson scored in the ninth for Samford, but the Bulldog threat was halted with a Quinn strikeout out to end the game.

A&M will return to action on Saturday, April 5, when the Bulldogs open a three game road series against SWAC foe Alcorn State. The first pitch for Saturday's series opener is scheduled for 12 p.m.

 Box Score 

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION