Unearned runs lift USM past Tide baseball team

PEARL, Miss. | A costly error led to four unearned runs in the fourth inning and Alabama never recovered in a 6-3 loss to Southern Miss in front of 2,599 fans Wednesday night at Trustmark Park.

A two-out throwing error by shortstop Josh Rutledge opened the floodgates for Southern Miss in the top of the fourth inning as the Golden Eagles scored four unearned runs off UA starter Casey Kebodeaux to take a 5-1 lead. USM third baseman Chris Matesich reached on the two-out throwing error and the Golden Eagles capitalized with four straight hits to chase Kebodeaux.

Anthony Doss reached on an infield single that struck first base umpire Charles McElroy and was ruled dead. Bo Davis then laced a triple to left-center field to score both runners and give USM a 3-1 lead. Second baseman James Ewing followed with an RBI single to left and shortstop Brian Dozier laced a double down the left field line to give the Golden Eagles a 5-1 lead.

Kebodeaux (2-5), who has lost his last four decisions, gave up five runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked one. Only one of the five runs charged to Kebodeuax was earned, but he did give up five two-out hits.

Southern Miss (25-11) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when the leadoff batter James Ewing drew a walk and scored on Brian Dozier’s triple into left center field.

Alabama (20-18) scored an unearned run in the bottom of the second inning to tie the game at 1-1. Jake Smith reached on a one-out error by USM third baseman Chris Matesich. Mike Sharp followed with a base hit up the middle to put runners at first and second. After Ross Wilson struck out, Alex Kubal reached on a bunt single to load the bases. Rutledge was then hit by pitch to bring home Smith with the tying run. Tyler Odle popped up to right field as UA left the bases loaded.

The Tide left two runners in scoring position in the fourth inning and stranded nine runners total in the loss.

The Crimson Tide cut the lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning on Jake Smith’s two-out, two-run single to right field. May reached on a one-out single to left and moved to third when Avila doubled to left center field as Doss over ran the ball in the gap. After Bentley fouled out, Smith lined a single to right to pull the Tide to within 5-3.

The Golden Eagles added another unearned run in the ninth to take a 6-3 lead. Davis reached on a bunt single, moved to second base on a Jimmy Nelson throwing error and scored on Dozier’s base hit to right field.

USM starter Brian Leach (1-1) picked up the win by working six innings. He allowed three runs and eight hits, with three strikeouts and one walk.

Tyler Conn tied the USM single-season record with his 13th save by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

Alabama will host Mississippi State in a three-game SEC series this weekend in Tuscaloosa. The series opener is Friday at 6:35 p.m.