BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—The Bulldogs scored five runs in the top of the ninth inning to tie the ballgame at 9-9, but the late rally wouldn't result in a win as Samford recorded a run in the bottom of the inning to grab a 10-9 victory.

The five-run ninth inning came off just two hits as Butler made the most of their opportunities at the plate. The wild inning began with Austin Miller reaching base after being hit by a pitch. Two quick outs followed the leadoff batter as Butler did all of their damage with their backs against the wall. Michael Fries kept Butler alive by drawing a walk and Quincy Quintero joined his teammates on base after being hit by a pitch.

With the bases loaded, Samford made their first pitching change of the inning. The new arm gave Samford the same result as Ryan Wojciechowski was also hit by a pitch that allowed Butler to score their first run of the inning. Another pitching change followed the run, but again, Butler would capitalize on Samford miscues by drawing yet another walk as Mike Kseniak earned an RBI.

The third pitcher of the inning would allow the first Butler hit as Marco Caponi hit an RBI single through the left side of the infield. Drew Small came up with the clutch two-RBI single at the top of the order for BU as Kseniak and Guinane each ran home to tie the game.

A leadoff double and a costly error allowed Samford to earn the win in the bottom of the ninth as Powell doubled down the leftfield line to lead off the inning. Two Samford base runners would soon be on base as Filiben walked which sent Martin batter's box. The game ended on a throwing error by the Butler pitcher as Powell came around from second to score the game-winning run.

Small and Fries led Butler offensively with three hits each. Each player recorded two RBIs and scored one run. Fries recorded his first double and triple of the season against Samford. Quintero also provided Butler with an extra base hit as he recorded his first double of the season in the second inning.

The Bulldogs are scheduled to host Marian on Wednesday, March 5 for the 2014 home opener. Any possible changes to the schedule due to the amount of snowfall in the Indianapolis area will be posted on ButlerSports.com.