A wild play that worked in favor of Georgia Southern University sent the baseball team past Samford University and gave the Eagles its second Southern Conference series victory of the year.

The Eagles (12-7, 5-1 SoCon) won its first series against the Bulldogs (12-9, 2-4 SoCon) since 2010.

Coaches all across the nation warn their players to avoid the ‘big inning’ on defense that allows too many runs in one inning and changes the complexion of the game. This game however, it was a single play not a big inning that spelled defeat for the Bulldogs.

Junior infielder Ben Morgan took off for home on a wild pitch in the top of the eighth inning that would result in the Samford catcher throwing the ball too wide of the pitcher covering the plate and went into the Eagles’ dugout. Two more runs were scored on the errant throw and gave GSU a 6-3 advantage – one that the conference-leading Eagles would not relinquish.

Senior reliever Kyle Rowe came on into pitch in the seventh inning after GSU gave up a sacrifice fly that scored a runner to tie the game. Rowe immediately shut the Bulldogs down and would only allow one hit in his 2.2 innings. Rowe is now 2-0 on the season.

Senior infielder T.D. Davis and sophomore catcher Chase Griffin both had two hits on the day and would score two runs apiece as well. Junior outfielder Robbie Dodds and junior designated hitter Arthur Owens both sent in one run apiece. Owens had two hits as well. Junior infielder Brent Pugh also had one RBI on one hit.

GSU lost to the Bulldogs on Friday in a 6-2 defeat. The Eagles followed up Friday night’s contest with an offensive explosion that ended in a 18-14 victory.

The team will be back in action on Tuesday the Georgia Institute of Technology. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.