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MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama right-hander Randy Bell tossed a complete game to lead the Jaguars to an 8-3 series-opening win over Texas State Friday at Stanky Field.

Bell (4-3) retired 16 of the final 18 batters he faced in the game, and allowed two earned runs on five hits with eight strikeouts and did not issue a walk in nine innings to record his fourth win and first complete game of the season. 

"I was able to throw three pitches for strikes, and I just let them (Texas State) put the ball in play," Bell said. "The defense made some big plays behind me, and I was able to stay in the game. I give credit to them, they are a great offensive team. But the defense made some plays and kept me in the windup. I was just able to command all three of my pitches, and that was really big for me."

Bobcat right-hander Connor Reich (2-4) allowed seven runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and six walks in 4 1/3 innings in the loss.

"Randy (Bell) was really good," USA head coach Mark Calvi said. "He gave up the two runs early on, but then he settled in. I am really proud of his effort. And I'm really proud of the at-bats we had. Their starter, Reich, was really good; he was 88 to 91 with a good changeup and breaking ball. He kept us off balance. We left too many men on base, but I want to give him credit. He was a very solid Friday-night pitcher in this league. He made us work, and we eventually got some guys on base and got a big hit. I'm proud of the team's effort up and down the roster. Paul Russo came off the bench with a big double that broke the game open, so I am proud of his and everyone on the team's effort tonight."

Texas State (22-21, 9-10 SBC) jumped out to a two-run lead on Bell following a one-out solo home run to left field by Felipe Rodriguez in the top of the third, and a two-out RBI single back up the middle by Dylan Paul in the top of the fourth for a 2-0 advantage. 

But South Alabama (26-17, 13-6 SBC) responded with seven runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a five-run lead. The Jags loaded the bases with no outs in the inning on consecutive singles by Dylan Hardy and Colton Thomas, and a walk by Brendan Donovan. Travis Swaggerty followed with a two-run single to right-center field to score Hardy and Thomas and tie the game 2-2. A walk by Wells Davis loaded the bases with no outs for the second time in the inning. LaBounty then delivered a two-run single through the left side of the infield to score Donovan and Swaggerty and double the Jaguar lead at 4-2. A sacrifice bunt by Will Luft advanced both Davis and LaBounty into scoring position with one out. Barnes drew a one-out walk to load the bases for pinch-hitter Paul Russo, who delivered a two-run double to left-center field for a 6-2 lead. Hardy followed with a walk to load the bases with one out for Thomas, who lifted a sacrifice fly to right-center field to plate Barnes for a 7-2 Jaguar advantage.

USA added its final run in the bottom of the seventh on a two-out RBI double down the left field line by Thomas, while the Bobcats pushed across the game's final run on an RBI single in the top of the ninth inning by Ryan Newman. 

Thomas recorded a career-high three hits, finishing 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and one run scored to lead the Jaguars at the plate. LaBounty added two hits, two RBI and one run scored. 

The series will continue with game two at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Stanky Field.

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

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