JACKSONVILLE — The Jax State baseball team will take on the Valparaiso Beacons in its final non-conference weekend series of the season, beginning on Friday, March 6. Action is set to begin at 6 p.n. from Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium.
Jax State is 9-2 all-time against Valparaiso. The two first met in 1979, where the Gamecocks took both games of a two-game series. After meeting for the first time in 1979, the two programs did not meet until 2014. where the Gamecocks are 7-2 since then. Jax State is 34-11 all-time against teams from Indiana (Ball St., Butler, Earlham, Franklin, Grace, Indiana, Indiana Central, Notre Dame, Purdue, Purdue-Ft. Wayne, and Valpo).
Jax Stat carries a 10-3 record into the weekend. Last time out, the Crimson Tide hosted the Gamecocks in a Tuesday night match-up, where Jax State's late rally fell just short. Trailing 6-3 going into the top of the ninth, Matthew Cash was able to cut the lead to just one run with a two-RBI double with two outs left. With Cash in scoring position, the Gamecocks were unable to drive him home, snapping a 10-game win streak with a one-run loss.
Valparaiso is 5-5 on the season, most recently taking on the Hornets of Alabama State in Montgomery for a weekend series last weekend. After dropping the opening game, the Beacons took the Saturday and Sunday games to claim the series.
Jax State's pitching staff has become one of the country's best through the opening weeks of the season, boasting a team ERA of 3.28, which is top three in CUSA and top 30 in the nation. Additionally, the Gamecocks have the best strikeouts-per-nine-innings in the league and are a top 40 team nationally in WHIP at 1.24.
The Gamecocks are also the top team in CUSA, as well as top 25 nationally, in stealing bases with 31 stolen bags so far.
Valpo is one of two teams that travel to Jacksonville this season that also have a brother duo on their team, like Jax State's Cash brothers. The Beacons have Cole and Connor Lockwood, with the latter being the team's Saturday starting pitcher.
Jax State's rotation will remain unchanged for the third-straight week, featuring three southpaws. Eli Pillsbury opening the series on Friday night, Steven Cash taking the mound on Saturday, and Beau Bryans starting on Sunday. Valpo will send out righty Adam Guazzo on Frday, righty Connor Lockwood on Saturday, and righty Nick Baffa on Sunday.
Saturday's game will not be televised due to Jax State women's basketball Senior Day game versus Kennesaw State taking place at the same time. Fans are encouraged to keep up with the action via radio or live stats if they are unable to come.
