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MOBILE, Ala. – Kevin Hill tossed a complete game and set a new season-high in strikeouts to lead the University of South Alabama baseball team to a 9-2 series-opening win over Appalachian State Friday at Stanky Field.

Hill (5-0) allowed two runs on six hits, and struck out a season-high 11 batters against three walks to earn his fifth straight win in as many starts. ASU right-hander Taylor Thurber (3-7) allowed eight runs on 12 hits with three strikeouts and one walk in the loss.

"Kevin was fantastic," head coach Mark Calvi said. "He went out there and did what you expect a Friday-night guy to do. I'm super-proud of his effort. It was a great way for the team to bounce back after Tuesday's loss."

Hill's complete game is the first by a Jaguar since he tossed a complete game in a win over Troy last May in Troy, Ala.

The right-hander fell behind after the Mountaineers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third on a two-out solo home run down the left-field line by Avery Jackson.

But the Jags answered to take a lead it never surrendered in the bottom of the fourth. Danny Martinez doubled down the right-field line to lead off the inning, and scored one batter later on an RBI single back up the middle by Cole Gleason. Gleason stole second then scored on a one-out RBI single to left field by Ben Gann for a 2-1 advantage. Garrett DeGallier then singled to shallow left-center field, and a throwing error by ASU third baseman Michael Pierson on the play allowed both Gann and DeGallier to move into scoring position with one out. An RBI single to right field by Ryan Raspino scored Gann to push the Jag lead to 3-1, and fielding error by ASU right fielder Drake Zupcic on the play allowed DeGallier to cross and extend the USA lead to four runs. A sacrifice fly to left field by Jared Barnes later in the inning pushed the USA advantage to 5-1.

South Alabama (23-12, 10-6 SBC) added to its lead in the bottom of the fifth when Martinez reached on a leadoff single to right-center field, and later scored on two-out RBI double down the left-field line by Gann for a 6-1 Jaguar advantage. DeGallier followed with an RBI triple off the right-field wall to plate Gann and extend the USA lead to six runs. Raspino then delivered an RBI single to center field to score DeGallier and give the Jags an 8-1 lead.

The Mountaineers added their finalrun of the game on a Jaguar fielding error in the top of the seventh to cut their deficit to six runs. USA added its final run of the game on a wild pitch in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Seven Jaguar batters recorded hits in the game, led by Gann who went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. DeGallier finished 3-for-4 with a triple, one RBI and two runs scored, and Raspino added two hits, two RBI and a run. Matt Brill went 2-for-4 to lead the Mountaineers at the plate.

The series will conclude Saturday with a doubleheader, beginning at noon at Stanky Field. The series finale will follow after the conclusion of game one of the twinbill.

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).