MOBILE, Ala. – Tennessee Southern closed its weekend series at Mobile with a 6–2 victory Saturday afternoon, using a three-run sixth inning and a steady effort on the mound to secure the win.
After four scoreless innings, the Firehawks broke through in the top of the second. Zach Chaney singled through the left side, stole second, and advanced to third on a balk. Cooper Phillips followed with a sacrifice fly to right, bringing Chaney home for a 1–0 lead.
The game remained tight into the sixth before Tennessee Southern created separation. Anthony Pastrana was hit by a pitch and moved into scoring position. Zac Wilson singled through the right side to put runners on the corners, and Evan Nelson doubled to left field to score Pastrana and extend the lead to 2–0. After a pitching change, Phillips delivered the big swing of the inning, lining a two-run single up the middle to plate Nelson and Wilson and push the advantage to 4–0.
The Firehawks added two more in the seventh. Devin Thrain worked a walk and stole second before advancing to third on a groundout. Nelson reached on an error, allowing Thrain to score, and a passed ball brought Nelson home to make it 6–0.
Nelson led Tennessee Southern at the plate, going 1-for-5 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Phillips drove in three runs, including two in the pivotal sixth inning. Wilson added a hit and a run scored, while Pastrana recorded a hit and scored once. Chaney collected a hit, stole a base, and scored a run. Thrain swiped a bag and crossed the plate once, and Gage Beckner added a sacrifice bunt.
On the mound, Cooper Bailey earned the win, tossing six shutout innings while allowing just three hits and four walks. Drew Sharp worked two innings in relief, and Will Vines closed the door in the ninth to secure the victory.
Tennessee Southern returns to action March 3, hosting the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
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