
Catamounts Fall in 13‑Inning Thriller, Ending SoCon Run
Western Carolina’s 13‑inning loss ends a 36‑win season as Samford advances to face The Citadel in the championship game.
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Western Carolina’s 13‑inning loss ends a 36‑win season as Samford advances to face The Citadel in the championship game.

The Citadel and Samford advanced to the SoCon Baseball Championship Game after dominant wins, with standout performances from Christian Stratis, Michael Gibson, Luke Boykin and others. The first‑time matchup will be televised Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

Mason Holton and Noah Quarless each drove in two runs with long balls, yet Samford’s late surge capped a 9‑5 victory, sending Western Carolina to the loser’s bracket.

Samford erupted for six runs in the first three innings and added seven more in the fifth to cruise past UNC Greensboro 13-1, setting a strong tone for the tournament.

The Citadel and Samford posted impressive victories on Wednesday, combining power hitting with record‑setting offensive output, and now prepare for Thursday’s pivotal matchups.

Samford University’s baseball team will close out its regular season with a three‑game Southern Conference series against Wofford College at Joe Lee Griffin Field. The matchup carries added weight, as the Bulldogs sit tied for fourth in the league and could secure a favorable seed for the upcoming SoCon Tournament.