TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Faulkner (22-10, 11-1 SSAC) controlled the strike zone to sweep the series over Stillman (8-22, 1-14 SSAC) Saturday with a 10-2 victory. The Eagles walked 11 times in the win and were hit thrice while issuing just two free passes. Faulkner pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts while Stillman's pitchers totaled six.
Kevin Saenz opened the scoring with a two-run RBI double to score
Jordan Funk and
Evan Gilliam. Gilliam added the third run on a wild pitch in the fourth, but the Tigers clawed one back in the bottom of the frame before cutting it to one in the fifth.
However,
Jordan Funk's sixth inning home run started a slow burning rally that turned a one-run game to a six score affair. Funk's fifth homer of the season came with one out and he came back to the plate later that inning without his team having to put a ball in play between plate appearances. Saenz was hit by a pitch before the next seven batters drew walks with two passed balls and a wild pitch mixed in the sequence.
Jack Brinkley concluded the weekend with a two-run homer in the ninth.
Alexis Saldana turned in another great start from the bump, fanning eight over five and allowing just two runs. Faulkner starting pitchers combined for 29 strikeouts and just three earned runs over 17 innings with just five walks.
The bullpen was stellar for the Eagles Saturday afternoon.
Nicholas Graham struck out the side in the sixth and
Hunter Dupuy followed with a three-up, three-down seventh.
Brayan Garcia closed the door with two, facing just one over the minimum.
Faulkner has won 14 of its last 15 games.
The Eagles created a three game lead over second place Brewton-Parker halfway through the conference slate. Faulkner will play third place William Carey (9-6) Friday and Saturday in Hattiesburg, but will first travel to Dayton, Tenn. to face Bryan in a doubleheader Tuesday starting at 1 p.m.
