Box score

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Ben Gann's third-inning grand slam helped lead the University of South Alabama baseball team to a 7-3 win over Evansville Friday at Braun Stadium.

EU (18-16) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a two-out, two-run home run to right field by Kevin Kaczmarski.

But USA answered with four runs in the top of the third. Jared Barnes doubled to left-center field to lead off the top of the third. Ryan Raspino followed with a single to left field to put runners at the corners with no outs, and then stole second before Cole Billingsley drew a walk to load the bases. Ben Gann followed with a grand slam to left field for a 4-2 USA lead.

Evansville cut its deficit to one run in the bottom of the fourth on a two-out RBI single to center field by Shain Showers.

But the Jags answered with a run a half-inning later. Raspino singled to left field to lead off the top of the fifth, and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Billingsley. Collura delivered a two-out single to center field later in the inning to plate Raspino and extend the USA lead to 5-3.

South Alabama (25-13) added its sixth run of the game in the top of the seventh. Billingsley led off the top of the frame with a double down the right-field line. Gann followed with a single to right-center field to put runners at the corners with no outs. Collura then reached on an RBI fielder's choice to shortstop to score Billingsley and double the Jaguar lead to 6-3.

The Jags added the game's final run on a two-out RBI single to center field by Collura that scored Billingsley, who reached on a bunt single to lead off the inning.

Jaguar right-hander Kevin Hill (6-0) allowed three runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts against three walks to earn his sixth straight win. Ben Taylor struck out all three batters he faced in a perfect ninth inning to earn his fifth save of the season. EU right-hander Patrick Schnieders (2-5) allowed six runs on nine hits with three strikeouts and a pair of walks in six innings in the loss.

Gann went 2-for-5 with a home run, a career-high four RBI and one run scored, and Collura finished 3-for-5 with three RBI to lead the Jaguars at the plate. Kaczmarski went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, two RBI and a run scored to lead the Purple Aces offensively.

The series will conclude Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.

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).