Blue Raiders fall to Jacksonville State in series opener

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Hunter Adkins put together another strong start for the Blue Raiders, but it wasn't enough as Jacksonville State went on to win 10-2 on Friday evening at Reese Smith Jr. Field.

"I think Adkins matched up real well with Jacksonville State," head coach Steve Peterson said. "He had to really battle, and for five innings, he threw the ball very well. We just have to go out there tomorrow and try to even this series up."

Adkins pitched into the sixth inning, allowing three runs, two of which were earned. The sophomore allowed just four hits and struck out three.

Joey McClung pitched the final four innings, giving up seven runs, but only three were earned.

At the plate, Will Skinner was the only Blue Raider with multiple hits, going 2-4 with a run batted in. Justin Guidry went 1-3 with a run scored and a walk. Jay Morris was the only other MT starter to pick up a hit, finishing 1-2 with a walk.

Both Robert Lawrence and Davis Pearce came up with pinch hits, and Dain McNabb scored a run after coming in as a pinch runner.

Middle Tennessee (1-3) committed four errors compared to none by Jacksonville State. The Blue Raiders were also outhit, 10-6.

Jacksonville State (1-2) picked up an unearned run in the second inning after an error allowed Sam Eberle to get in scoring position before scoring on a Ben Waldrip single up the middle.

The Gamecocks added two more in the sixth. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases, and a Waldrip walk brought in the first run and prompted a pitching change. Matt McLaughlin recorded a sacrifice fly to score the second.

JSU posted seven runs over the final two innings to head into the bottom of the ninth leading 10-0. Guidry led off with a triple down the right field line and scored on a Skinner single. Later in the inning, Dain McNabb would come on as a pinch runner for Tyler Acker, and score on a Davis Pearce single.

Middle Tennessee and Jacksonville State will now prepare for a rematch tomorrow afternoon at Reese Smith Jr. Field. Daniel Palo will be on the mound for the Blue Raiders, and first pitch is set for 2 p.m.

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