Box Score

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Iowa erupted for four runs in the eighth to overtake a Jacksonville State one-run lead as JSU dropped a 6-3 decision in the first game of the Matt Russ Central Florida Games on Thursday at the Land O'Lakes Complex.

The Gamecocks fell to 2-12 on the season, while the Hawkeyes improved to 6-9 on the season.

After JSU's bats came to life in its half of the eighth to post all three of its runs, Iowa erased a 3-2 deficit for the win.  A lead off walk by the Hawkeyes jumpstarted the inning as Mike McQuillan reached base via four pitches and eventually knotted the contest at 3-3 on Taylor Zeutenhorst's single down the right field line two batters later.  The Hawkeyes plated the go-ahead run on a misplayed ball by the Gamecocks infield.  The final two runs in the inning came off of a fielder's choice and a pinch hit single by Iowa's Bryan Niedbalski.

Jax State closer Todd Hornsby (1-2) was saddled with the loss after allowing three runs on a pair of hits in the eighth.

JSU strung together three hits in the eight, including a pair of infield singles to jumpstart the offense after trailing 2-0 for the first seven innings.  Sophomore Andrew Bishop started the frame with his second hit of the day with a single to the left side of the infield.  Bishop moved up on a Scott Underwood's base hit to left – setting up JSU's top of the order to produce runs.  Sophomore Cody Blanchard laid down a perfect bunt to load the bases.  After a Sam Eberle walk to score JSU's first run of the contest, senior Ben Waldrip hit in to a force play at second, but the relay to first went awry to plate two Jax State runs.

Bishop and Eric Underwood led the JSU line up with two hits each.  Underwood has hit safely in four consecutive games and now has five multi-hit games this season.

Iowa's Jarred Hippen hand-tied the Gamecocks for seven-plus inning before the Hawkeyes went to Nick Brown.  Hippen scattered eight hits and allowed two earned runs along with a trio of strikeouts in his outing.  Brown shut down the Gamecock threat in the eighth and set the Red and White down in order in the final inning.  

Senior Aaron Elias earned the start for JSU on the mound as he went 5.1 innings and allowed two runs and striking out five.  Iowa touched him for a run in the first and fifth. 

The Gamecocks continue their five-game Florida trip on Friday with a 5 p.m. contest with Bradley.  The game will be available on the Gamecock Sports Network with Mike Parris describing all the action.