JACKSONVILLE – Gardner-Webb erased a four-run deficit over the final four innings to claim an 8-7 decision over Jacksonville State on Saturday afternoon at Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium.

The rubber game of the series will be on Sunday at 1 p.m. after JSU (4-5) took the opening contest on Friday, 9-3.  JSU students and all fans 18 years old and younger are admitted free.  Tickets for the matinee game are available on JSUGamecockSports.com.  The series finale will be streamed on ESPN+ and aired on Gamecock Sports Network.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (6-4) rallied from a 7-3 disadvantage with a three-run sixth inning.  GWU's Cam Pearcey had the big hit in the frame with a one-out, two-RBI single.  The visitors from North Carolina added the third run on a ground out.  GWU's two-run eighth inning proved too be the difference in the contest as a sacrifice fly by Eric Jones scored the tying run and an errant throw by the Gamecocks plated the lead run.

JSU had to come-from-behind early after the Runnin' Bulldogs plated a pair of runs in the first inning off of sophomore Isaiah Magwood.  After the two-run first inning, Magwood settled in for next four innings with seven strikeouts and six hits.

Senior Tre Kirklin, who had three hits on the day, connected on his second home run in as many days with a leadoff home run in JSU's first plate appearance.  Kirklin would finish the day a triple shy of hitting for the cycle as he delivered an RBI double in the second inning and an infield RBI single in the fifth.  JSU's top-three in the order combined for seven of JSU's 13 hits on the day.  Senior Andrew Naismith had a double and an RBI single in the Gamecocks' fourth inning.  Junior Cole Frederick turned in two singles on the day.  Senior Alex Webb finished with a pair of RBI in the setback.  Making his first start of the season at third base, sophomore Brook Brannon delivered an RBI.

Senior Corley Woods suffered the tough decision in one inning of work.