Grand Slam, Strong Pitching Lead GSU to 8-1 Win

Game 7: #6 Georgia Southern 8, #7 The Citadel 1
Box Score
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SoCon Tournament Central

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Behind T.D. Davis' grand slam in the fifth inning and a strong outing from starting pitcher Justin Hess, No. 6 seed Georgia Southern (32-26) defeated No. 7 seed The Citadel (25-32), 8-1, in game seven of the 2012 Southern Conference Baseball Tournament Thursday evening at Fluor Field.

Georgia Southern has now outscored opponents 27-3 during its two games in the tournament.

Justin Hess improves to 5-3 on the season after earning the win on the mound. In six innings of work, he allowed four hits and gave up one run to the Bulldogs while striking out seven.

Brent Pugh grounded out to the pitcher to lead off the bottom of the third before Zac Lenns and Scooter Williams both walked. Eric Phillips flied out to left field before Chase Griffin and Garren Palmer drew walks to load the bases and score Lenns.

T.D. Davis blasted a grand slam over the left field wall on a 2-1 pitch giving the Eagles a 5-0 lead over The Citadel.

Tyler Griffin singled up the middle to bring home Joe Jackson, who reached on a single, to give the Bulldogs their first run of the night in the sixth.

The Eagles responded as Lenns scored when Griffin flied out to right field to give Georgia Southern a 6-1 lead. Davis reached base in the bottom of the seventh after being hit by a pitch. He stole second then advanced to third on a throwing error before Tyler Avera singled up the middle to add another run.

Williams doubled down the left field line to begin the eighth before Eric Phillips singled out to right extending Georgia Southern's lead 8-1.

The Citadel's Kevin Connell falls to 1-5 on the season. Connell gave up three hits and five runs during his three innings on the hill.

The Eagles will play the winner of The Citadel and Elon game Saturday at 10 a.m. The game between the Bulldogs and Elon will be tomorrow at 3 p.m.