MOBILE, Ala. - Troy scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning on two hits to knock off University of South Alabama baseball 6-2 Friday night at Stanky Field, and clinch their fifth consecutive Sun Belt Conference series.

With the loss, South Alabama dropped its sixth consecutive SBC game and third straight conference series.

Tyler Ray (8-3) earned the win in four innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out two and walking one. Troy closer Chase Whitley earned his seventh save of the season in 1.2 shutout innings, and did not allow a hit while striking out two. Whitley and Drew Hull combined to hold South Alabama scoreless for the final five innings.

Jaguar left-hander Lance Baxter (6-3) suffered the loss in seven innings, and allowed five runs on seven hits while striking out four and issuing three walks.

Troy third baseman J.R. Myers went 2-for-3 with three RBI to lead the Trojans at the plate. Steven Felix added a home run and one RBI.

Brent Tanner and Brad Hook had two hits and one RBI each to lead the Jags at the plate. Clint Reynolds added two hits and one run scored, and Adam Heisler, Jake Overstreet, Zach Grichor and Brandon Brown added one hit apiece.

Troy took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a solo home run by Felix to right-center field.

The Jags snapped a 20-inning scoreless streak in the bottom of the third when Tanner singled to center field to score Taylor White.

Troy (32-22, 16-13 SBC) added two runs in the top of the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly by  Myers and an RBI single by Daniel Peterson to take a 3-2 lead.

The game remained scoreless until the top of the eighth inning, when Troy posted three runs on two hits to extend their lead to 6-2. Trojan catcher Todd McRae scored the first run in the inning from third base when Overstreet's throw sailed past Tanner. Myers then followed with a single to center field to score Miles Hoyle and T.J. Rivera.

USA (30-25, 16-13 SBC) will close its regular season Saturday afternoon with the series finale against Troy at 2 p.m. at Stanky Field. Eight Jaguar seniors will be honored in pregame festivities as part of Senior Day.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

- USA -

 

NOTES:  Heisler extended his on-base streak to 35 games ... USA fell to 30-21 all-time against Troy, and 20-7 all-time against the Trojans at Stanky Field ... The Jags have now dropped four consecutive games to Troy, dating back to last season.