JAGS SQUARE OFF WITH PRESEASON FAVORITE LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE

South Alabama welcomes preseason Sun Belt Conference favorite Louisiana-Lafayette to Stanky Field for a key three-game weekend series. The Jaguars are in fourth place at the halfway point of the league schedule, while the Ragin’ Cajuns are clinging to the eighth spot.

USA (21-16, 8-7) have won three straight games after a five-game slide, including a 7-1 decision at Auburn on Wednesday. Seven different pitchers shut down the Tiger bats, while a six-run seventh gave the Jags a season sweep.

Ray Kruml, currently on a 14-game hitting streak, has taken over the team lead in hitting at .371. He has two home runs and 28 RBIs, plus ranks among the national leaders with 26 stolen bases in 29 attempts.

Ryne Jernigan has the team lead in homers (10) and RBIs (46), while David Doss is hitting .353.

ULL started the season in the preseason top 25, but has been disappointing at 18-18 overall and 8-10 in league play. The Ragin’ Cajuns are set to host the SBC Tournament next month, but are one spot out of not even qualifying.

For the second straight weekend, South Alabama will be using the same pitching rotation. RHP Eric Gonzalez starts on Friday, while RHP Kevin Nabors and LHP Brandon Sage take the hill over the weekend.

ULL will counter with LHP Hunter Moody and righties Danny Farquhar and Michael Cook.

First pitch Friday is set for 6 p.m., while Saturday's game will start at 2 p.m. Sunday's game features special promotions of "Little League Day" and "K-12 Appreciation Day". Little Leaguers and their coaches in uniform will be admitted free, while the first 500 players in uniform will receive a free USA Baseball t-shirt. All K-12 teachers, employees and students and their families will be admitted free.

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