JACKSONVILLE – Sophomore Bear Madliak and junior Brennen Norton combined for five hits in the series finale loss to New Mexico State on Sunday afternoon at Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium.

The five hits by the Gamecocks' duo wasn't enough as the Aggies completed the Conference USA sweep, 22-8 in a seven inning affair. The sweep dented Jax State's climb in the conference standings with three weekend left in the regular season. Jax State dropped to 14-27 on the season and 3-12 in CUSA. NM State improved to 20-23 overall and 7-11 in the league.

NM State wasted no time offensively with runs in every inning on Sunday, including a five-run first inning and exploded for eight runs in the fourth inning. The Aggies compiled 22 hits against Jax State pitching, but they were aided with 10 walks and six hit-by-pitches from the eight pitchers used by the Gamecocks.

Jax State's offense put together a big fourth inning with five runs in the frame, highlighted by a two-run double from senior Derrick Jackson, Jr. Freshman Hudson Walburn, inserted into the lineup in left field for Sunday, added an RBI single. Freshman Gabe Young and sophomore Caleb Johnson also delivered RBI in the inning.

Madliak  added a run in the fifth inning after connecting on his fourth home run of the season  and the 50th round tripper of the season for Jax State. The 50 home runs so far on the season matches the 2012 club that hit 51 on the season. The Carrollton, Georgia native recorded his third hit of the day with a single in the seventh inning.

Norton, who had two hits in each of the three games during the weekend had a single in the five-run fourth frame and another base hit in the seventh inning. For the weekend, Norton was 6-for-13 with three RBI and a pair of runs.

Junior Logan Walters and Sam Silas reached base via hits in the setback.

The Gamecocks will travel to Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday to face the Panthers of Georgia State in a return trip after GSU visited Jax State on April 10. Game time is set for 11 a.m. CT. The contest will be carried on the Gamecock Sports Network. Jax State returns to CUSA action next weekend in the state of Texas with a trip to Dallas Baptist.