TROY, Ala. – Troy used a six-run eighth inning to knock off University of South Alabama baseball 7-1 Friday night in the Jaguars’ Sun Belt Conference opener at Riddle-Pace Field.

The Trojans plated six runs in the eighth frame on six hits, aided by a two-run bases-loaded single by Ali Knowles and a two-run double by T.J. Rivera. Troy loaded the bases in the eighth on a double by Todd McRae, single by Logan Pierce and walk by Tyson Workman.

Jaguar right-hander Garrett Harris tossed seven innings, and allowed one unearned run on six hits while striking out nine and issuing three walks without factoring in the decision.

Troy (15-3, 1-0 SBC) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI-single by Adam Bryant, that scored Knowles who singled to lead off the inning.

But the Jaguars answered to tie the game 1-1 in the top of the fifth inning when Logan Kirkland delivered a solo home run, the first of his career, to left field on a 2-1 pitch from Trojan left-hander Tyler Ray.

Ray left the game after 5 1/3 innings when he took a line drive off the bat of Taylor White on his right leg. He took a liner by Jeff DeBlieux off of the same leg earlier in the game. Ray allowed one run on three hits with six strikeouts before exiting the game.

Troy left-hander Nathan Hill (1-0) came on in relief and tossed 3 2/3 shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out seven and issuing three walks.

South Alabama right-hander Jeff Miller (0-1) suffered the loss without recording an out in relief of Harris. Miller, who entered the game at the start of the eighth inning in relief of Harris, allowed five runs on three hits and issued two walks.

Knowles went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored to lead the Trojans at the plate, and Todd McRae and Logan Pierce added two hits apiece.

Kirkland went 1-for-4 with a home run, one RBI and a run scored to lead South Alabama at the plate. Brent Tanner added a double, while DeBlieux, Overstreet and Jordan Patterson added one hit each.

“Garrett [Harris] threw extremely well,” South Alabama head coach Steve Kittrell said. “We struck out way too much today; we just didn’t put it in play enough. It’s a tough loss, but it’s only one of 30. We have to bounce back tomorrow. It is a huge game for us.”

The Jags threatened in the top of the sixth when they loaded the bases with two outs after a single by Overstreet, double by Tanner and walk by Nolan Earley, but Hill struck out Kirkland to end the inning.

South Alabama (9-7, 0-1 SBC) never really threatened to score from that point on. USA batters struck out 13 times, but reached base on walks just three times.

The series will continue with game two Saturday at 6 p.m. at Riddle-Pace Field.

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:  Kirkland recorded his first career home run … Harris recorded his fourth quality start this season, and has pitched 19 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run … Overstreet made his 169th consecutive start at third base, and tied Ryan Mulhern and Scott Calahan for fourth on the career hits list … South Alabama fell to 31-22 all-time against the Trojans, and 8-14 all-time when playing at Troy.