Box Score BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - South Alabama's offense struggled to get going as the Blazers scored in four different frames.

South Alabama needed the bullpen early, with Jaxon Shineflew only going 1.2 innings with three runs charged to him. Mitchell Heer bridged over to the fourth inning, with two runs of his own, and freshman Mason Beno made his collegiate debut, going 2.0 innings with one strikeout on four hits and three runs allowed. Tyler Smith closed out the final three innings allowing no runs.

Of the three hits for the Jags, Lucas Ismaili knocked the first in the second inning as a single, followed by a single for John Smith, and a pinch-hit single from Greg Pettay.

The last time South Alabama was shut out was Feb. 18, 2023 in a 0-2 loss to Eastern Kentucky.

Win: Cole Cheatham (1-1)
Save: Brendan Conner (2)
Loss: Jaxon Shineflew (0-1)

QUOTES
Head Coach Mark Calvi

On struggling today: We had a chance to rally there in the middle innings and didn't do a whole lot with it. Offensively, we lined out eight times. It's not like we struck out too many times. He was a good pitcher, good arm. We knew he was a good arm, up to 92 on a cold day, left hander, good slider. We just didn't push him enough. We didn't threaten him enough, and then we didn't match up on the mound. Shineflew, you know, made some mistakes out over the plate. They hit him. Mitch was rolling along good and then rolled his ankle. And I thought Beno came in and did well. And, you know, all things considered, it was, it was eight nothing, and it feels like it feels worse than what it was. We had a couple chances.They got timely hits. They blooped a couple. It seemed like one of those days. So, yeah we got all played today we got out competed today. And you know, tomorrow's a new day.

UP NEXT
South Alabama will resume the series on Saturday, February 22, at 1 p.m.

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