Box Score



HAMMOND – After an early two-run home run by Mississippi State Tuesday, Lion pitching took control of the game allowing Southeastern to put together a 4-3 come-from-behind victory.

The Lions extended their winning streak over No. 21-ranked Mississippi State to four games, dating back to a 2010 three-game sweep of the Bulldogs in Starkville, Miss. It was Southeastern's first win over a ranked opponent since defeating then No. 29-ranked Alabama at the South Alabama Classic during the 2011 season.

After the Bulldogs jumped on top 2-0 in the second inning with freshman Phillip Casey's home run, Southeastern (12-5) answered with a run of its own.

Cody Gougler led off the inning with a single to right field and moved to second on the first of two passed balls in the inning. Gougler scored on Ladd Rhodes' double to left-center field.

Southeastern added two runs in the fourth inning to take the lead. With one out, Jonathan Pace was hit by a pitch and moved to third on a Gougler double. With the Mississippi State infield drawn in, Rhodes singled off the glove of the shortstop to score Pace. Lion catcher Jacob Fisher then plated Gougler with a sacrifice bunt.

In the sixth, Rhodes reached on a two-out fielders' choice and scored on Fisher's double to right-center.

Lion starting pitcher Andro Cutura (1-1) earned the win, allowing two runs in five innings of work, and Stefan Lopez earned his sixth save of the season by working the ninth. Jason Greenleaf contributed three shutout relief innings in between for Southeastern.

Mississippi State added an unearned run in the ninth inning to make it a one-run game.

Southeastern hosts Mississippi State again Wednesday at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field. The Lions are scheduled to start junior left-hander Buck Bernard (1-0, 2.53) on the mound.

First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. and there will be fireworks at the ballpark. The game can be heard in the Hammond area on KSLU-FM (90.9) and live statistics are available at www.LionSports.net.