MOBILE, Ala. - The University of South Alabama bounced back after an embarrassing performance on Saturday to pound out 14 runs on 14 hits, enroute to a run-rule shortened, 14-2 USA win over Florida International Sunday.
The Jags improve to 22-14 on the season and 4-5 in conference play. FIU drops to 25-13 and 6-3 in the SBC. Joey Doan picked up the win, pitching a complete game five hitter. Michael Cart went deep for the first time this season, a three-run shot to left field.
“It was tough loss yesterday and I wasn’t sure exactly how our guys were going to respond,” said Jag head coach Steve Kittrell. “Joey set the tempo and had some really quick innings, and then we had the big six run inning. Hitting and defense, no errors and Joey pitched well, it was a good game.”
FIU wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning. With one out Michael Lopez bounced a base hit over Michael Cart. Luis Bautista then walked to put two on with one out. Nick Cadena singled up the middle to load the bases. James McOwen delivered a base hit to right field, plating Lopez and Bautista, giving FIU and early 2-0 lead.
South Alabama struck back in the bottom of the fourth inning with six runs. USA sent 10 men to the plate. Patrick Weaver drove a leadoff single up the middle to open the inning. After a fly out by David Freese, Aaron George walked. David Doss then blooped an RBI single down the right field line. Guillermo Martinez then executed a perfect safety squeeze to score George and tie the game. Michael Cart then hammered a long home run to left field, to put the Jags up 5-2. Jeff Morris continued the big USA inning singling over a drawn in third baseman. Morris stole second and scored on a Jones base hit up the middle, making the score USA 6, FIU 2.
USA added to its lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Freese led off with a solid base hit to left field. With one out, Doss lined what looked to be a homerun to left field. The umpires ruled the ball stayed in play and Doss was awarded a double. Martinez picked up the slack and drove both runners home with a base hit inside the bag at third, to make the score 8-2. USA scored another run in the inning on Joel Collins sacrifice fly to fight field scoring Martinez.
The final five USA runs came in the bottom of the sixth inning. Weaver, Freese, Lance Hielser, Doss and Martinez all scored runs in the final rally. Both Martinez and Collins had two-RBI singles in the sixth.
Doan pitched a scoreless seventh inning the pick up the complete game and the win. Martinez went 2-for-3 with 5 RBI’s.
The Jags will be back in action Tuesday night as they take on Auburn at Stanky Field. Game time is set for 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or by calling the USA Ticket Office at 460-6047. Live stats can be accessed at www.usajaguars.com
