LEBANON -– Tyler Wheeler hit a game-tying grand slam and added another RBI in a 9-7 victory over 19th-ranked Freed-Hardeman Friday at Ernest L. Stockton Field.

The Bulldogs (30-24, 14-10 TranSouth) overcame a five-run deficit in the game, winning the club’s final regular season contest of the year -- and taking two of three games from the regular season league champs.

CU will face host Union University in the first round of the TranSouth Championships on Monday at 3:30 p.m. at Fesmire Field in Jackson.

Wheeler hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the sixth inning, tying the contest at five, and Cumberland added two more runs on the seventh on RBI singles from Wheeler and pinch-hitter Daniel Harrison.

Freed-Hardeman (36-19, 16-8) tied the game in the eighth, but Cory Urquhart’s solo homer to lead off the eighth put CU ahead for good and Nick Sydnor added a sacrifice fly for the final run of the game for the home team.
 
Mike Mandarino (9-2), the third CU hurler, got the victory despite giving up the tying run in the eighth. He worked 1.2 innings of relief, giving up one hit and two walks before getting a game-ending doubleplay.

CU starter Cody Ferrell allowed five runs on five hits in five innings, walking five and striking out five. Logan Neal tossed 2.1 innings of relief, giving up two runs on four hits with one walk, two hit batters and two strikeouts.

FHU used five pitchers in the contest, with starter Charlie Overturf allowing one run on six hits in five innings of work. Matt Singleton gave up three runs on one hit and did not get an out, while Drew Suttles allowed three runs on six hits in two innings. Joe Creasy (1-1) took the loss, giving up two runs and three walks in one-third of an inning.