JACKSONVILLE – A first-inning run was all Jax State could muster Tuesday night, falling to in-state foe Samford by a 2-1 final.
The Gamecocks (22-27) appeared poised to shake off its 11 scoreless innings struggles from Sunday, loading the bases in the first inning against the Bulldogs (19-29). But the Gamecocks only came away with one run, and came up empty two innings later with the bases juiced in the third frame. Altogether, Jax State left seven runners stranded on the night.
Despite the offensive woes, junior starter
Sarah Currie made the 1-0 advantage stick for five strong innings. A leadoff single to open the sixth signaled the end of the afternoon for Currie.
Jordan Eslinger entered the circle before the Bulldogs eventually scored two after a fielder's choice, sacrifice fly and a key double. Eslinger made quick work in the top of the seventh to keep it a one-run game.
Emma Jones-Hubbard, who recorded half of Jax State's four hits, found her way aboard as the tying run in the bottom of the seventh. As she had her previous two trips to first base, Jones-Hubbard took off and stole second giving her a three-stolen base game in her final outing at
Jana McGinnis Field. The swipes didn't come easy as Samford catcher Logan Champion ranks 14th in Division I throwing out 13 runners for caught stealing this season.
Unfortunately, second was as far as the tying run would reach following a strikeout and fly to right to end the game.
Jones-Hubbard became the first Gamecocks with three stolen bases in a game since Anna Chisolm did the same against Eastern Illinois on March 31, 2019. Chisolm, Jax State's career stolen bases leader, happens to be the only Gamecock still ahead of Jones-Hubbard on her rapid climb up the school's career list. The two are separated by seven steals after Tuesday.
Jax State heads to Sam Houston to close the Conference USA regular season, hoping to build some momentum before heading on to Las Cruces, N.M., for the 2024 CUSA Softball Championships next week.
