Box Score
MOBILE, Ala. -- Eric Gonzalez scattered seven hits over six innings in his first appearance in two seasons and nine different Jaguars recorded hits as South Alabama defeated Fairfield 11-1 Saturday night in the 23rd Annual Coca-Cola Classic. The game was called in the bottom of the eighth inning due to the mercy rule.
Raymond Kruml went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Ryne Jernigan drive in a pair of runs. Five of the Jaguars' nine hits were doubles.
Gonzalez (1-0) allowed a single run, while walking one and striking out four in his first appearance since the end of the 2006 season. He missed all of last year with a knee injury.
"Maybe the rain delay (yesterday) did us some good because we came out with spirit," Head Coach Steve Kittrell said. "Our guys came out and played well. I have seen Gonzalez throw better. I thought he controled the game, showed poise and found his spot. Nobody has worked harder to come back and he deserved the opening start."
Kruml got the Jaguars started in the first, leading off with a single, then stealing second. After advancing to third on a flyout, he came home when Clint Toomey doubled down the left field line. South Alabama added two runs in both the second and third innings to go up 5-0. Sean Laird doubled in Ryan McCrory, who walked, then scored on a Kruml ground out. In the next frame, Toomey walked and stole second before Ryan Bohanan and Jernigan posted back-to-back doubles with one out.
An error and wild pitch led to two more runs in the fifth. Doss reached on a throwing error to lead off the frame, then went to second when Jernigan was hit by a pitch. McCrory doubled to bring home Doss for the first run, then Jernigan trotted home on a wild pitch.
Fairfield (0-2) gained its run in the top of the sixth when Brian Rudolph singled with the bases loaded, but USA answered with three in the bottom of the frame. Kruml led off with the only hit of the inning, a single through the right side and stole second. Two straight hit-batsmen loaded the bases before Doss delivered a sacrifice fly to right field. Chris Davis scored on a wild pitch and Toomey scored on a ground out.
The game ended when the Jaguars built a 10-run lead in the eighth when Brad Hammac scored from second base on a fielding error by Stag shortstop Pat Hoban.
Fairfield starter Doug Ciallella (0-1) took the loss by allowing seven runs (six earned) on seven hits while three Stags took the mound in relief.
In other action Saturday, Kentucky defeated Xavier 10-1, while Xavier defeated Fairfield 12-7. The tournament concludes Sunday with three games. The Wildcats and Stags start things at 10 a.m. at Hank Aaron Stadium, while South Alabama faces Xavier and Kentucky in a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m. at Stanky Field.
