The University of Southern Mississippi baseball team dropped its second consecutive game Tuesday night, falling 10-6 to No. 10 Alabama at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
The Golden Eagles (22-11) took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning. Davis Gillespie was hit by a pitch to begin the frame, followed by a single from Carson Paetow. After a double play, Ozzie Pratt delivered an RBI single, and a wild pitch brought home a second run. Southern Miss added two more in the sixth to go ahead 4-2.
However, Alabama (25-8) responded with a six-run sixth inning, capitalizing on pitching struggles by the Golden Eagles. Reliever Josh Och allowed a walk and hit a batter, prompting a call to the bullpen. Kros Sivley, in his first relief appearance of the season, issued another walk and hit a batter to force in a run. A bases-clearing double put the Crimson Tide ahead for good.
Southern Miss attempted a comeback in the seventh, narrowing the deficit to 8-6. Ben Higdon singled as a pinch hitter, followed by a double from Drey Barrett. Tucker Stockman and Pratt each drove in a run with singles. Alabama added two insurance runs in the bottom of the inning to secure the victory.
Southern Miss fell to 1-3 on its current eight-game road trip. The Golden Eagles will continue Sun Belt Conference play this weekend with a three-game series at Texas State (16-16), beginning Friday at 6 p.m.
