Box score

STATESBORO, Ga. – The University of South Alabama baseball team used an eight-run sixth inning en route to a 12-7 series-clinching win over Georgia Southern Saturday at J.I. Clements Stadium.

South Alabama (31-17, 16-7 SBC) faced a three-run deficit entering the sixth inning when it sent 14 batters to the plate, and pushed eight runs across on seven hits to take a lead it never relinquished.

Garrett DeGallier reached on a leadoff walk in the sixth, and moved to third when Ryan Raspino singled through the left side of the infield and advanced to second on a throw into third in an attempt to cut down DeGallier. Cole Billingsley followed with an RBI groundout to second to score DeGallier and cut the USA deficit to two runs. Ben Gann followed with an infield single to shortstop to plate Raspino and cut the GSU lead to 7-6. Bud Collura singled to center field to move Gann into scoring position with one out. Adam Ballew followed with a single to center field, and the Jags tied the game 7-7 on the play when GSU center fielder Kody Adams' throw to third sailed into the GSU dugout to allow Gann to score. Matt Bolger then delivered a one-out, two-run single back up the middle for a 9-7 Jaguar lead. Davis Knapp followed with a bunt single down the third-base line to load the bases. DeGallier reached on a hit by pitch to score Bolger and extend the USA lead to three runs. Raspino then drew a bases-loaded walk to score Gleason for an 11-7 Jag advantage. USA added its eighth and final run of the frame on a fielder's choice off the bat of Billingsley to left-center field that allowed Knapp to score on a dropped fly by left fielder Thomas.

Jaguar left-hander Joey Jones (1-0) issued two walks in two-thirds of an inning to earn his first career win at USA. Jason Richman (6-1) allowed three runs on three hits in one-third of an inning in the loss.

USA took the first lead of the game in the top of the first inning. Billingsley drew a leadoff walk to start the game, and advanced to third on a single back up the middle by Gann to put runners at the corners with no outs. Collura followed with an RBI fielder's choice to second base to score Billingsley for a 1-0 Jaguar lead.

Georgia Southern (27-20, 16-10 SBC) answered in the bottom of the second with four runs. Dalton Busby reached on a leadoff single back to the pitcher to start the inning. The Eagles then loaded the bases on two consecutive hit by pitches from USA right-hander Austin Bembnowski. Adams then reached on a third straight hit by pitch by Bembnowski to score Busby and tie the game 1-1. Aaron Mizell followed with a bases-loaded walk to score C.J. Brazil for a 2-1 GSU lead. Hunter Thomas then reached on a fourth hit by pitch from Bembnowski to score Adams for a two-run GSU advantage. Hunter Soleymani entered in relief of Bembnowski with two outs, and issued a walk to the first batter he faced which allowed Mizell to score and push the Eagle lead to 4-1.

But the Jaguars tied the game with a three-run fourth inning. Jared Barnes reached on a one-out double to right field, and DeGallier followed with a walk. Billingsley then delivered a two-out RBI double to center field to score Barnes and cut the GSU lead in half. Gann followed with a two-run double to center field to score DeGallier and Billingsley and tie the game 4-4.

Georgia Southern answered to take a 6-4 lead in the bottom of the fourth on a two-out, two-run single to left-center field by Ryan Cleveland, and added its final run of the game in the bottom of the fifth on a bases-loaded walk by Chase Griffin.

Eight Jaguar starters recorded hits in the game, led by Gann who went 3-for-5 with a double, three RBI and a run scored. Gleason finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and one run scored, and Billingsley went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored.

South Alabama extended its Sun Belt Conference winning streak to six games, and has won eight of its last nine league contests.

The Jaguars will attempt to sweep their second consecutive conference series at noon Sunday. The game will be streamed live on ESPN3.

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).