Arkansas State Upsets No. 7 Southern Miss in Sun Belt Opener

Red Wolves take rubber match after Golden Eagles' shaky start

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:08pm

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No. 7 Southern Miss couldn't overcome a rough first inning, committing two fielding errors and a wild pitch that led to three Arkansas State runs. The Golden Eagles cut the deficit to 3-2 but left multiple runners stranded and ultimately lost the Sun Belt Conference opening series to the Red Wolves.

Why it matters

This early conference matchup between two Sun Belt contenders sets the tone for the rest of the season. Southern Miss was ranked in the top 10 nationally, so this upset loss could impact their standing and postseason hopes, while Arkansas State proved it can compete with an elite program.

The details

In the bottom of the first, Southern Miss starter McCarty English gave up three runs on two errors and a wild pitch. The Golden Eagles got within 3-2 but left runners on base in the second and eighth innings. Arkansas State added two insurance runs in the eighth to seal the victory.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • It was the rubber match of the opening Sun Belt Conference series between the two teams.

The players

McCarty English

The starting pitcher for Southern Miss who struggled in the first inning.

Kyle Morrison

The Southern Miss infielder who committed one of the key errors in the first inning.

Seth Smith

The Southern Miss infielder who committed the other key error in the first inning.

Davis Gillespie

The Southern Miss player who scored on an Arkansas State throwing error in the fourth inning.

Joey Urban

The Southern Miss player who hit a solo home run in the sixth inning to cut the deficit to 3-2.

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What they’re saying

“We must regroup and bounce back quickly. This was a tough opening weekend, but we have a lot of season left to play.”

— McCarty English, Southern Miss Pitcher

What’s next

Southern Miss will face Nicholls on Tuesday night, looking to avenge an earlier 3-2 loss to the Colonels and bounce back from the disappointing Sun Belt opening series.

The takeaway

This early conference loss could impact Southern Miss's national ranking and postseason hopes, while Arkansas State proved it can compete with an elite program in the Sun Belt. Both teams will need to regroup and refocus as the conference schedule continues.