Box Score

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Brett Impemba collected two hits and scored a run, while Tyler Pagano and Ben Hart each recorded a RBI as the Oakland baseball team (2-9) fell in the series finale to Southern Miss (8-6-1), 12-2, Sunday afternoon at Pete Taylor Park.

"We struggled today on many fronts," said coach John Musachio. "In addition to our poor play, McMahon was outstanding on the mound for Southern Miss. That created a perfect storm that explains the final score."

Robby Enslen's school-record 32-game hitting streak was snapped after a 0-for-4 performance. Despite the loss, Oakland won its first series of the season after winning the first two games of the weekend.

The Golden Eagles scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning led by Matt Durst and Chase Scott each driving in two runs in the inning and capitalizing on two Oakland errors.

Oakland cut the lead to 5-1 in the second inning as Impemba doubled to left field and later scored on a single up the middle by Pagano. USM responded with four runs in the third as Scott and Dylan Burdeaux each collected RBI-singles.

The Golden Grizzlies scored their final run of the game in the seventh inning as Andre Sopena led off with a bunt single, stole second and then scored on a Hart double down the left-field line.

Jake Morton suffered the loss throwing 2.0 innings, allowing eight runs, three earned, on six hits with one strikeout. USM's James McMahon earned his third win of the season tossing 7.0 innings, allowing two runs on six hits with four strikeouts.

Oakland is scheduled to return to the diamond next week as it opens up Horizon League play against Wright State, last year's regular season champions, for a three-game series beginning on Friday, March 13 at Nischwitz Stadium at 6:30 p.m.

#WEARtheBEAR