The Citadel surged past Mercer with a 14‑4 victory that showcased a potent offensive display, highlighted by Christian Stratis’s home run and four runs batted in and Michael Gibson’s double plus four RBI, while Bryce Coulter delivered a complete game allowing just four runs on ten hits.
Samford endured a 13‑inning marathon before edging Western Carolina 5‑1, a contest that turned on Luke Boykin’s decisive homer in the final frame and Zak Spurrier’s pair of strikeouts to seal the win.
A First‑Time Championship Matchup
The upcoming championship will mark the first meeting between the two programs, scheduled for Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU, and it arrives amid a backdrop of historic success for The Citadel, which has captured eight SoCon baseball titles, the last in 2010.
Both teams bring distinct strengths to the mound, with Citadel’s Bryce Coulter having thrown a complete game and Samford’s Zak Spurrier closing the previous contest with late strikeouts, promising a compelling pitching duel that could define the series.