Eagles explode in the fourth, top Tigers, 8-2, in CUSA Tourney opener

Southern Miss will meet its other pod member East Carolina tomorrow

Southern Miss used a six-run sixth to power its way to an 8-2 victory in game one of the 2010 Conference USA Tournament at Cougar Field in Houston.

The Golden Eagles (33-21) had been held off the board by Ryan Fraser through three innings, but they jumped all over the Tigers’ starter in the fourth.

With one out, Joey Archer doubled to score Dillon Day and end the game’s scoreless tie. From that point, it was bombs away for Southern Miss. Travis Graves, Tyler Koelling and B.A. Vollmuth homered in the inning and helped USM hang a six-spot on Memphis.

Designated hitter Adam Doleac delivered a two-run shot with two outs in the sixth that pushed the Golden Eagles’ advantage to 8-0.

After being shut out and limited to four hits by Southern Miss starter Scott Copeland, Memphis managed to avoid being blanked by pushing two across on Golden Eagles’ reliever Paxton King in their last at-bat.

Designated hitter Rick Russell was 2-of-3 for the Tigers.

Southern Miss will continue pod play tomorrow when it faces East Carolina at noon (EST). Memphis will meet Marshall at 4 p.m. (EST) in an out of pod match-up.

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