Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
Jacksonville State
Blue Raiders down the Gamecocks 3-2 to take the series
5/12/2024 4:21:00 PM | Baseball
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – In a low-scoring affair, Middle Tennessee defeated Jax State 3-2 on Sunday afternoon to take the series at Rudy Abbott Field.
The Blue Raiders (19-32, 7-14 CUSA) struck first, plating a trio of runs in the fourth inning. A Brett Vondohlen double to right center field plated two runs, while Eston Snider executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to get the third run across the plate. The Gamecocks (18-31, 5-16 CUSA) immediately responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the frame and would go on to plate another in the eighth. Despite a late offensive effort by Jax State, the MTSU bullpen came through to lift the Blue Raiders to a 3-2 victory.
On the mound, Austin Cornelius (3-4) was tabbed with the loss, while Trace Phillips (2-3) earned the win for Middle Tennessee and Patrick Johnson picked up his second save.
By the Numbers
9: Freshman Trace Phillips went a career-long 7.0 innings, giving up just one run on four hits, while striking out a career-high nine Gamecocks.
7: Seven Blue Raiders tallied a hit on the day. Gabe Jennings led the way with three base knocks, while Jackson Galloway, Luke Vinson and Brett Vondohlen each collected two. Vondohlen led the way with two RBI.
3: Freshman Colin Kerrigan only threw three pitches on the afternoon, but got the Blue Raiders out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning and got the first crucial out in the ninth inning.
Up Next
Middle Tennessee will remain on the road for a midweek match-up with Southern Indiana on Tuesday, May 14. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. CT.
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