TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Jacksonville State scored four runs with two outs in the fifth inning and posted its third consecutive win over Alabama with a 4-0 decision on Tuesday night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
The blanking of the Crimson Tide is JSU's fifth shutout of the season and the first over UA since a 3-0 win during the 1974 campaign. JSU (16-9) now has three shutouts of Alabama with the win as the program posted a 2-0 win in 1973. The Gamecocks entered the game as one of the nation's best in shutouts. The three straight wins in consecutive seasons is the first since winning both games against Alabama (18-12) in 1980 and the meeting in 1981. Last season, JSU won a 2-1, 10-inning decision in February, 2017 and returned to Tuscaloosa last May for an 11-8 win.
Jax State's four-run fifth inning was highlighted by four key hits, including a two RBI base hit by senior Taylor Hawthorne that chased Crimson Tide starter Sam Gardner. Hawthorne, who has reached base in 47 of the last 48 games going back to the final 23 games of the 2017 campaign, delivered senior Clayton Daniel and freshman Alex Strachan. Daniel, who paced the Jax State order with a 3-for-4 night, came through with a clutch two-out, two-strike single to right field to plate the first run of the inning. Hawthorne joined Daniel with a multi-hit contest with a pair of hits.
Senior Trent Simpson, who recorded his fifth save of the season, greeted UA's first reliever Mason Duke with a single back up the middle for an RBI. Simpson was the back end of a JSU bullpen that did not allow a Crimson Tide hit over the final 4.1 innings. The Gamecock arms allowed just three hits, with lead off hitter Cobie Vance registering two of the three hits. UA's Keith Holcombe was credited with a double with two outs in the top of the fourth. Both teams stranded eight base runners in the contest, with JSU starter Sean Rape getting out of early jams.
Rape went a career-long four innings was touched for all three UA hits and struck out a pair in the outing. Senior Grant Chandler tossed the next three innings, followed by freshman Christian Edwards and Simpson. UA also used four pitchers in the setback.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama native Cole Frederick recorded a hit in his return to his home town, while senior Hayden White posted a hit.
The Gamecocks continue the in-state rivalry midweek tour on Wednesday as they host nemesis Troy at Choccolocco Park. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Admission is free to all JSU students and all fans 18 years old and younger. The contest with the Trojans will also be available on the OVC Digital Network and on the Gamecock Sports Network.
