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Hattiesburg Today
By the People, for the People
No. 11 Southern Miss Rallies Late to Defeat App State
Golden Eagles score 4 runs in the 8th inning to overcome 5-2 deficit and win 6-5
Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:56am
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Despite trailing 5-2 heading into the bottom of the 8th inning, the No. 11 ranked Southern Miss Golden Eagles rallied for 4 runs to defeat the Appalachian State Mountaineers 6-5 on Friday night at Pete Taylor Park. Senior outfielder Ben Higdon ignited the comeback with a RBI double, and the Golden Eagles took the lead on a sacrifice fly and an App State fielding error.
Why it matters
The dramatic comeback win was the first time this season that Southern Miss was able to win a game in which they trailed after 7 innings, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to fight back late in games. The victory also keeps the Golden Eagles in the hunt in the Sun Belt Conference standings.
The details
After App State took a 5-2 lead in the top of the 6th inning, the Golden Eagles mounted their rally in the 8th. Seniors Matthew Russo and Ben Higdon, along with sophomore Drey Barrett, sparked the comeback with key hits. Pinch hitter Caleb Stelly's sacrifice fly tied the game, and a late App State error gave Southern Miss the lead. Sophomore right-hander Camden Clark closed out the game with 3 strikeouts in the 9th inning.
- The Golden Eagles trailed 5-2 heading into the bottom of the 8th inning.
- Higdon's RBI double in the 8th cut the deficit to 5-3.
- Stelly's sacrifice fly tied the game at 5-5 in the 8th.
- The go-ahead run scored on an App State error in the 8th.
The players
Ben Higdon
A senior outfielder for Southern Miss who ignited the 8th inning rally with a key RBI double.
Caleb Stelly
A senior pinch hitter for Southern Miss who drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly in the 8th inning.
Camden Clark
A sophomore right-handed pitcher who closed out the game for Southern Miss with 3 strikeouts in the 9th inning.
What they’re saying
“Man, it felt good to get things started for the boys. Having Russo and Barrett set the tone that inning, and me being able to continue it was great. So many heroes, so much maturity from Stelly there getting that job done. Just big at-bats all around.”
— Ben Higdon, Senior Outfielder
“Huge win for our team. These are the types of wins that can really turn a season and offense around and kill that mid-season lull.”
— Ben Higdon, Senior Outfielder
What’s next
The Golden Eagles will look to clinch the series against Appalachian State on Saturday, with sophomore right-hander Camden Sunstrom taking the mound.
The takeaway
Southern Miss showed tremendous resilience and fight to overcome a late deficit, rallying for 4 runs in the 8th inning to secure the victory. This type of comeback win could provide a major boost for the Golden Eagles as they continue their Sun Belt Conference title push.
