JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A pair of four-run innings powered the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Buccaneers to a resounding 10-3 victory over the Samford Bulldogs on March 22, 2025. This win not only marked a crucial moment in their season, as it secured the Bucs their first series victory against Samford since spring 2021, but it also showcased the team’s evolving capabilities on the field.
In the early innings, both teams found it challenging to gain momentum at the plate, a trend observed in their previous matchup. However, the Blue and Gold broke through with a surge of offense starting in the third inning. Blake Jacklin and Cody Miller ignited the scoring with back-to-back RBI singles, putting ETSU ahead 2-0. Following that, JD Yakubinis contributed an infield single, which led to two additional runs crossing the plate in a smart heads-up play, extending the lead to 4-0.
The Bulldogs responded in the fourth inning when Jake Souders made his mark by hitting a single, which, paired with a fielding error, allowed Samford to score their first run, making it 4-1. Samford's efforts, however, were not sufficient to stem the tide as the Buccaneers found their stride, continuing to apply pressure.
The sixth inning saw the Bucs expand their lead significantly. Tristan Curless launched a solo home run, putting ETSU at 5-1. This was soon followed by a wild pitch, which set the stage for Jamie Palmese to hit a two-run shot, bringing the score to 8-1. The Davidson defense struggled to contain the Bucs as they harnessed that energy to maintain their lead.
In the eighth inning, Samford's Michael Gupton hit a home run to bring the Bulldogs within five runs at 8-3. But the Buccaneers did not relent; in the bottom of the eighth, both Axel Melendez and Jacklin scored on RBI plays, thereby finalizing the score at 10-3 and reflecting a dominant performance by ETSU.
A notable highlight of the game was Jace Hyde, who solidified his position as a key player for the Buccaneers. Pitching 7.1 innings, he allowed only two earned runs on six hits and struck out ten batters. His performance not only improved his record to 4-0 this season but also showcased the team’s resilience and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Hyde's strong outing was pivotal, providing the Bucs with the confidence they needed moving forward in the season.
With this victory, ETSU improved their season record to 18-4 and 2-0 in the Southern Conference (SoCon). The Buccaneers are set to face Samford once again, aiming for a series sweep on March 23, 2025, with the first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. The team's performance thus far suggests they are well-prepared to achieve that goal.
This game serves as a testament to the Buccaneers' growth and determination this season. As they march forward, fans and players alike are hopeful that they can build upon this success and continue to excel as the season progresses.
