Southern Miss Stuns UCSB with Massive Comeback Victory

Golden Eagles rally from 6-2 deficit to win 8-6 and force series rubber match

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a thrilling comeback victory, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles rallied from a 6-2 deficit to defeat UC Santa Barbara 8-6 and tie their season-opening series at Pete Taylor Park. After trailing by four runs in the fourth inning, Southern Miss chipped away at the lead before a two-run homer by Joey Urban in the eighth inning gave them the win.

Why it matters

This game showcased the resilience and offensive firepower of the Southern Miss baseball team, which is looking to build on last season's success. The comeback win against a tough UCSB squad should give the Golden Eagles confidence heading into the rubber match and the rest of the season.

The details

Southern Miss starting pitcher Grayden Harris struggled early, allowing four runs on five hits before being pulled in the fourth inning. The Golden Eagles' bullpen then settled things down, with Josh Och earning the win after throwing two scoreless innings. Offensively, Tucker Stockman, Ty Long, and Joey Urban all hit home runs to power the comeback, with Urban's eighth-inning blast proving to be the game-winner.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Southern Miss trailed 6-2 in the fourth inning before rallying to win 8-6.

The players

Christian Ostrander

The third-year head coach of the Southern Miss baseball team, who guided his squad to the comeback victory.

Josh Och

The junior right-handed pitcher who earned the win for Southern Miss after throwing two scoreless innings in relief.

Joey Urban

The senior designated hitter who hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning to give Southern Miss the lead.

Tucker Stockman

The junior catcher who hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to start the Golden Eagles' comeback.

Ty Long

The sophomore shortstop who hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning to cut UCSB's lead to one.

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What they’re saying

“Man, I thought our guys competed hard. We knew it was gonna be a fight coming into it. They get the lead, and it doesn't look real good, but the guys kept competing hard and were able to put some things together.”

— Christian Ostrander, Head Coach, Southern Miss (si.com)

“He's the personality (of the team). He's the infectious personality. He played with so much heart, desire, and love, and loves this program. You can just see it, man.”

— Christian Ostrander, Head Coach, Southern Miss (si.com)

“This is why you came (to Southern Miss). We want to play in moments like this and atmospheres like this. Yeah, it felt like a regional game to me, I'm not gonna lie to ya.”

— Christian Ostrander, Head Coach, Southern Miss (si.com)

What’s next

Southern Miss will look to secure the series against UCSB on Sunday, with redshirt sophomore RHP McCarty English getting the start on the mound.

The takeaway

Southern Miss' thrilling comeback victory showcased the team's resilience and offensive firepower, giving them momentum heading into the rubber match and the rest of the season. The win should instill confidence in the Golden Eagles as they look to build on last year's success.