The 2026 NCAA Hattiesburg Regional entered its second day with a high‑stakes elimination matchup between the top‑seeded Southern Miss Golden Eagles and the second‑seeded Virginia Cavaliers. Both programs had opened the tournament with losses, and the winner would secure a spot in the regional final scheduled for May 31. The game, held at Pete Taylor Park and streamed on ESPN+, kicked off at 1 p.m. Central Time.
Early in the contest Virginia drew first blood. AJ Gracia opened the scoring with an RBI single that plated Kyle Morrison, while RJ Holmes added a leadoff double to set the tone. Southern Miss answered with a run of its own, as Grayden Harris and Kyle Johnson contributed to a modest rally that kept the game within reach.
The seventh inning proved to be the turning point. Virginia surged ahead 10‑8 after a flurry of hits. Drey Barrett singled to left, driving in Davis Gillespie for the second Southern Miss run of the frame. Moments later, Gillespie himself delivered an RBI double to right, scoring Morrison. Virginia’s AJ Gracia then smashed a base‑clearing triple, flipping the lead, and RJ Holmes followed with an RBI single that added another run.
Key Performances Define a Chaotic Seventh Inning
Power surged from the bats of several Southern Miss players. Tucker Stockman launched a 408‑foot home run to center, while Joe Tiroly’s three‑run blast off the top of the scoreboard put the Golden Eagles back on top for a brief moment. Earlier in the inning, Davis Gillespie had already homered to left, and later in the game he added a three‑run shot that further tightened the scoreboard.
Virginia’s rally was not without its own fireworks. AJ Gracia’s earlier triple and the subsequent RBI single by RJ Holmes had given the Cavaliers a modest edge, and the team’s overall performance reflected a 36‑22 season record. Southern Miss, meanwhile, entered the game with a 44‑16 record and a No. 14 RPI ranking, underscoring the high stakes of the elimination contest.
With the lead shifting multiple times, the game remained a showcase of clutch hitting and strategic pitching. As the dust settled, both coaches praised the resilience of their squads, noting that the next day’s matchup would hinge on which team could execute under pressure. The winner will advance to the May 31 regional final, where a new champion will be crowned.
Key Performances Define a Chaotic Seventh Inning
Several players stood out for their contributions. Davis Gillespie’s combination of a single, a double, and a three‑run homer highlighted his versatility, while Joe Tiroly’s long‑ball to the scoreboard added a dramatic swing. On the Virginia side, AJ Gracia’s triple and subsequent RBI single illustrated his knack for timely hitting, and RJ Holmes’ leadoff double set the stage for the early lead.
The broadcast on ESPN+ captured the intensity, with commentators emphasizing the strategic importance of each at‑bat. Fans watching from across the country saw a glimpse of why the Hattiesburg Regional is considered one of the most competitive in the nation, as both teams displayed depth and determination.