Box score

MOBILE, Ala. – The Jaguars scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning and Jared Gates allowed just one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings pitched to lead University of South Alabama baseball to a 4-2 win over Jacksonville State Tuesday at Stanky Field.

Gates (1-1) struck out four without issuing a walk to earn his first career win at USA. Right-hander Brandon Hallford tossed two shutout innings and struck out three to earn his first career save as a Jaguar. JSU left-hander Casey Antley (1-1) allowed three runs on four hits with three walks in 3 1/3 innings in the loss.

South Alabama (3-4) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. Matt Wojciechowski doubled to the right-center gap to lead off the frame, and Erik Hindmon followed with a walk before Matt Bolger delivered a two-run triple to the left-center gap in his first career at-bat to give the Jags a 2-0 lead. Cameron Cummings followed with an RBI single off of Antley to score Bolger to extend the USA lead to 3-0.

Gates faced the minimum through the first five innings before surrendering a leadoff single to JSU's Andre Bishop followed by an RBI double from Tyler Gamble to cut the USA lead to 3-1 in the top of the sixth.

Gamecock designated hitter Paschal Petrongolo reached on a two-out double to center field in the top of the seventh, and was lifted for pinch-runner Ty Pierce who scored one batter later on an RBI single from Ryan Sebra to cut the USA lead to 3-2.

USA added the game's final run in the bottom of the seventh when Drew LaBounty led off the inning with a single to center field, and later scored on a one-out RBI single to left field by Bud Collura.

JSU (4-3) threatened in the top of the eighth when Jaguar reliever James Traylor allowed a leadoff double, then issued a walk before Hallford entered with no outs and recorded three consecutive outs, two of which came via strikeout.

Hindmon went 2-for-3 with a run scored to lead South Alabama at the plate. Bolger had a triple, two RBI and one run scored, while Cummings and Collura added a hit and one RBI apiece. Gamble finished 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI to lead the Gamecocks offensively.

The two-game set will conclude Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Stanky Field.

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).