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MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama baseball team used a six-run first inning to knock off Jacksonville State 6-5 Wednesday at Stanky Field.

South Alabama (31-12) loaded the bases on three walks by JSU starter Taylor Sparks in the bottom of the first, and took a 2-0 lead on a two-out, two-run single to right field by Dustin Dalken. The Jags pushed their third run of the inning across on a bases-loaded walk by Hayden Jones, and added three additional runs on a two-run single by Graham Odom and a Gamecock throwing error in center field to allow Jones to cross and give USA a 6-0 lead.

JSU cut the Jag lead to 6-2 on a two-run single by Michael Bishop in the top of the second, and cut the USA lead in half in the top of the third on a sacrifice fly to left-center field by Ty Pierce.

The Gamecocks pushed the final two runs of the game across in the top of the fourth on an RBI double by Chase Silvani, and a sacrifice fly to right field off the bat of Griff Gordon.

Jaguar right-hander Tripp Cecil (3-1) tossed 4 2/3 scoreless innings in relief, and allowed just three hits while striking out three and issuing one walk. Sparks (0-1) suffered the loss in two-thirds of an inning, allowing six runs on two hits with one strikeout and five walks. Jordan Patterson entered in relief of Cecil to record the game’s final out in the ninth inning to earn his first career save.

Dalken went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored to lead the Jaguars at the plate. Nolan Earley finished 2-for-2 with two walks and a run, and Jones went 2-for-3 with an RBI, one walk and a run.

“Tripp Cecil did a nice job out of the bullpen,” head coach Mark Calvi said. “Jacksonville State is a solid club that is well-coached. They have some solid guys with some good arms. We did just enough to win today, and I’m proud of the guys for doing that.

“But Cecil was fantastic. His slider was much better and he was throwing his offspeed pitches for strikes early in the count. He was really good, and it was a great rebound-appearance for him. We’re happy for him, because he works his tail off and he has done a great job for us so far.”

South Alabama will return to action this weekend with a three-game Sun Belt Conference series at Louisiana-Monroe.

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