Malachi Jeffries overcame some defensive misplays to get two big hits - including the game-winner - in helping Miles finish a sweep of LeMoyne-Owen to open conference play Friday afternoon at historic Rickwood Field. The Golden Bears (8-2, 2-0 SIAC) won the first game 12-9 before taking the nightcap 4-2.

In the opener, Myles Wessels hit a two-run homer in the third inning but the Magicians (4-7, 0-2) led 4-2 before Miles posted a six-spot in the fifth inning to take control. Playing small ball, the Golden Bears kept bunting and LeMoyne-Owen had trouble defensing the play. Gregory Willis, Kaden Burch and BoBo Barnes each laid down sacrifices bunts but the Magicians did not make a single out as three runs would give the Golden Bears the lead. Michael Smith added a run-scoring single before the final two runs came on the basepaths. Ajani Lyons scored on a wild pitch before Trace Spann scored on a straight steal of home to push the Miles lead to 8-4. Darryl Johnson (2-0) pitched four innings of relief to earn the win.

In the second game, Jaelyn Rhynes (3-0) gave up six hits and two unearned runs while striking out three in a complete-game victory. but he was on the short end of the score as three errors by Jeffries led directly to both runs. But the shortstop came up big later in the game. His leadoff double in the bottom of the fifth came home on a throwing error to tie the game at two. Then, with two outs in the bottom of the sixth, with darkness threatening to suspend the game, Jeffries singled to left to score Trey Walker and Smith to give Miles the lead. LOC threatened in the top of the seventh and looked as if they were going to get one of the runs back, but Walker threw a seed from right field to nab the runner at the plate to end the game.

The two teams will complete their series on Saturday with a single, nine-inning contest. First pitch is set for noon.