Jaguars Blank Bulldogs in Rebound Game, 9-0

Box Score RUSTON, La. - South Alabama (8-6) kept the heat on all game as the Jags shut out the Bulldogs (9-6).

South Alabama scored first in the top of the third inning with an infield RBI single by Lucas Ismaili, then scored three more in the fourth. John Smith RBI single accounted for one, with a Mike Young slap to the outfield scoring the other two. John Smith then raked his first homer as a Jaguar with a ball sent to right field in the top of the sixth inning.

All five runs were scored opposite of Zach Willingham's presence on the mound. Willingham was efficient, going three up, three down in four of his seven innings. Willingham struck out five in his second start of the season, allowing only two hits, and issuing only two walks, while also drawing a double play that ended the fourth inning.

The Jaguars slammed the door on the Bulldogs in the eighth with a four-run inning by way of a Ty Brooks RBI, a two-RBI hit from Kyle Morrison, and an error that scored the fourth.

Jaxon Shineflew relieved Willingham, allowing no hits or walks and striking out three for the final two innings.

QUOTES
Head Coach Mark Calvi

On today's performance: Opposite of yesterday, we got a great start. Willingham put us on his back, and their guy was as good as advertised. You saw we had seven hits in one run at one point. We knew he was good, but he just has that escape ability. He had a double play there that kind of got us. And, you know, he can throw it for a strike and bounce it, but our guys battled. We were balanced for the most part. We had a few too many strikeouts in there, but the kid's, good man, he's up to 91 from the left side with three pitches for strikes, and he's going to win a lot of games for them. But our guys just, you know, bit down on the mouthpiece, and were great in the batter's box, and kept pushing and pushing and and what can I say about Willingham? We played great defense behind him, and he was fantastic.

UP NEXT
South Alabama looks to take the series in the rubber match on Sunday, March 8, at 1 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#19 Ty Brooks: IF; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#10 Jaxon Shineflew: LHP; 6' 2"; Sophomore

#24 Lucas Ismaili: IF; 6' 0"; Redshirt Senior

#18 Mike Young: C/OF; 6' 3"; Junior

#29 Kyle Morrison: IF; 6' 0"; Junior

#27 Zach Willingham: LHP; 6' 2"; Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

#19 Ty Brooks
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: IF

#10 Jaxon Shineflew
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: LHP

#24 Lucas Ismaili
: 6' 0"; Redshirt Senior
: IF

#18 Mike Young
: 6' 3"; Junior
: C/OF

#29 Kyle Morrison
: 6' 0"; Junior
: IF

#27 Zach Willingham
: 6' 2"; Graduate Student
: LHP