Scott, Kendrick Lead 6-2 Victory

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - Middle Tennessee's Matt Scott and Langdon Stanley combined to allow just one run on seven hits and Wayne Kendrick had three hits and scored four runs, leading the Blue Raiders to a 6-2 season-opening victory over Jacksonville State at Rudy Abbott Field Friday afternoon.

Scott won his seventh straight decision dating to last season with 5.2 innings of work, giving up one run on five hits. Stanley, in his first appearance as a Blue Raider, worked the final 3.1 innings, allowing a run on two hits and striking out seven to pick up the save.

Kendrick singled three times, stole a base and scored four runs to lead the Middle Tennessee attack, while Adam Warren added three hits and drove in a pair of runs.

"Our pitching by Matt Scott was dependable combined with our defense, which allowed us to win this game," head coach Steve Peterson said. "Langdon Stanley played an outstanding game despite giving up a home run late."

Jacksonville State starter Donovan Hand (0-2) worked five innings, allowing seven hits and three runs. Hand walked three and struck out five. The Blue Raiders also scored twice against JSU reliever Justin King and then again in the ninth versus Alex Jones.

Middle Tennessee jumped on the board early by taking advantage of four hits to score two runs in the first inning on RBI singles from Michael McKenry and Warren.

Jeff Beachum singled to leadoff the game and Kendrick followed with a fielder's choice. Todd Martin singled to put runners on the corners before McKenry's RBI single plated a run. With two outs Warren singled to right, scoring Martin for the early lead.

JSU came back with a run in the bottom of the inning when Nick Cleckler doubled to start the frame and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. With two outs Clay Whittemore singled to center to score Cleckler.

Kendrick singled and stole second to start the third inning for Middle Tennessee. McKenry walked and Nathan Hines followed with a single. Kendrick scored on an error by Cleckler in centerfield for a 3-1 Blue Raiders lead.

In the sixth Rawley Bishop walked with two outs, stole second, went to third on a passed ball and scored on Josh Horn's single to right field for a 4-1 advantage.

"We had some timely hits," Peterson added. "Josh Horn and Wayne Kendrick played well tonight. Adam Warren and Nathan Hines had some big two-out hits that allowed us to extend our lead."

Kendrick and Martin both singled to start the seventh before Warren plated his second run of the game with a two-out RBI single to right, giving Middle Tennessee a 5-1 edge.

Kendrick's single to start the ninth was his fourth hit of the contest. The second baseman moved all the way to third on a failed pickoff and scored on a wild pitch for the Blue Raiders final run.

Whittemore belted a solo home run in the ninth off Stanley, and Garret Bass tripled with two outs in the inning before pinch-hitter Brian Piazza lined out to end the contest.

Game two of the series begins at 2 p.m. Saturday with the finale set for 1 p.m. Sunday.

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