March 11, 2001

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Junior second baseman Daniel Uggla's two-run shot in the bottom of the eighth helped seal a late one run comeback for the University of Memphis Tiger baseball team (8-4). The Tigers went on to knock off the Bears of Southwest Missouri State (7-6) on Sunday afternoon, 4-3.

The win snapped a two-game losing skid and also helped Memphis avoid being swept by SMS on the weekend.

The Bears actually outhit the Tigers 9-5. Freshman starting pitcher Bill Edwards (Evangelical Christian) didn't get the decision but was solid from the mound, going for six innings of work and allowing only two earned on seven hits while fanning four SMS batters.

SMS scored a run in the top of the first and held a 1-0 lead until the bottom of the third when the Tigers tied the game at one, off a solo shot to left by freshman rightfielder Josh Payne (Houston H.S.).

Both teams managed to score one a-piece to tie the score at two after six. The Bears scored one more run in the top of the eighth and threatened to walk away with the sweep, but the Tigers bounced back with two runs in the bottom half of the inning. Uggla then ignited the Tiger rally, ripping a two-run homer to left giving Memphis the lead and eventually their eighth win of the season.

Uggla was hot on his 21st birthday, going 1-for-3 including a two-run homer, two runs scored and two RBI. Payne wasn't far behind with a 1-for-3 outing as well, smacking a solo home run, scoring a run and picking up an RBI in the win. He also earned his first save of the year during his first appearance on the mound for Memphis. After coming on in the top of the ninth, Payne faced three SMS batters and struck out two.

Dante Brinkley, who was superb all weekend from his centerfield position, went 3-for-4 with a double, two singles and two RBI.

Sophomore pitcher Nick Rogers (Olive Branch H.S.), earned his second win of the year, as he went for two full while giving up one earned run on two hits.

"Obviously, this is a big win for us, especially since we lost a late lead yesterday," said Tiger baseball coach Dave Anderson. "To come from behind this late in the game is really big for us. I thought Bill (Edwards) pitched very well, and Payne's home run was encouraging after striking out four times yesterday."