Big Innings By Southern Haunts Tigers In Series Opener

Southern hit four home runs and did all of its damage in the sixth and seventh innings as TSU fell in the opener of a three-game series Friday at MacGregor Park.
 
It was a game of defense through the first six innings as it was scoreless until Southern opened the sixth with back-back home runs. A walk was issued to the third batter but SU hit another homer for a 4-0 lead.
 
After a 1-2-3 bottom of the sixth by TSU, Southern opened the seventh with a single, double and walk to load the bases which forced a pitching change. A passed ball allowed SU to score its fifth run followed by a sac fly and a wild pitch for a 7-0 lead. Four batters later with two outs, SU broke the game open with a grand slam for an 11-0 margin as TSU had a 1-2-3 seventh to end the game.
 
Justin Cooper went 2-for-2 while CJ Castillo fell to 1-3 after receiving the start.
 
The series resumes at 2 p.m. on Saturday at MacGregor Park.