South Alabama opened its baseball season with a series win over USC Upstate, taking the deciding game 7-3 on Sunday at Stanky Field. The Jaguars are now 2-1 to start the year.
The Jaguars started strong in the second inning when Paxton Bigby hit a two-run home run to right field. In the third inning, starting pitcher Daniel Gonzalez faced a bases-loaded situation but escaped with a key strikeout. Gonzalez went on to pitch five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out seven batters in his first appearance for South Alabama.
Tempers flared in the third inning when both head coaches were ejected following an argument at home plate.
Offensively, Duncan Mathews continued his hot streak with his third home run of the series and finished 2-for-4 on the day. Mike Young added his second homer of the year, driving in three runs, while Blake Guerin followed with his first home run as a Jaguar. The team scored five runs in that inning.
Jake Middleton took over pitching duties in the sixth but allowed three runs before settling down to pitch scoreless seventh and eighth innings. Collier Barham closed out the ninth for South Alabama, securing the win for both pitchers making their Jaguar debuts.
Head coach Mark Calvi praised both Daniel Gonzalez and Duncan Mathews after the game: “Gonz (Daniel Gonzalez) was outstanding today. He can pitch backwards and forwards and held the run game completely. He can pitch. And you can’t say enough about Duncan Mathews. He caught 27 innings this weekend, tough as nails, and a couple home runs.”
Calvi also noted the team’s enthusiasm: “The guys had energy all weekend, it was phenomenal. We got their backs, and they have ours, and we’re happy to be 2-1 against a really good club. We got some things to clean up, but I’m happy to close out the weekend.”
South Alabama will play next at Nicholls State on Tuesday evening in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
For more information about South Alabama baseball or updates throughout the season, fans can visit USAJaguars.com or follow @SouthAlabamaBSB on Twitter.
