South Alabama defeated the University of Louisiana Monroe 16-4 on March 22 to clinch their baseball series at Stanky Field. The Jaguars recorded their third game this season with 16 runs, improving their record to 16-8 overall and 3-3 in the Sun Belt Conference.
The result is significant for South Alabama as it marks a strong offensive rebound after conceding early runs. ULM scored twice in the first inning, but South Alabama responded with six runs in the bottom half. Head coach Mark Calvi said, “I thought our guys had much better energy today and proud of their effort. We jumped for six in the first after giving up two. With the wind blowing out, I was thinking we’re going to have to put up a lot of runs today, but Gonzo settled in and did a really good job. I thought our guys did a great job all the way around and just had a great response today.”
The Jaguars’ offense continued throughout the game, including a three-run home run by Blake Guerin—his third homer of the series and eighth of the season—and a three-run shot by Nathan Wood, his first home run this year. All nine starters recorded hits, with five players contributing multiple RBIs.
Robert Miranda made his first start at shortstop this season and collected two hits, two RBIs, and scored twice. Calvi praised Miranda’s performance: “A lot of props to Rob (Miranda). The guy shows up everyday and works hard at practice and hasn’t had a lot of playing time to show for it. There’s a concept around here- you got to work while you wait. Just because you’re not playing does not mean you’re not going to play. Rob has bought into that concept and today he was huge for us.” Daniel Gonzalez earned his second win of the season against his former team by pitching over five innings.
Looking ahead, South Alabama will travel to Montgomery for another matchup against No. 5 Auburn on Tuesday night, March 24.
