Privateers Concede Four Unearned Runs in Loss to South Alabama

BOX SCORE (XML) | BOX SCORE (PDF)

MOBILE, Ala. – The New Orleans Privateers baseball team (0-1) committed five errors and allowed four unearned runs in a 7-3 loss to the South Alabama Jaguars (1-0) on Friday evening at Stanky Field in the season opener.

The Privateers got out to an early 2-0 lead, and then wrestled the lead back after South Alabama tied the game in the third. However, three runs in the fourth, all coming with two outs, gave the Jaguars a lead they would never relinquish.

Drew LaBounty drew a two-out walk and Bud Collura reached on a fielding error to set up a Cole Billingsley single to right that tied the game. The bases were loaded again when Daniel Martinez hit a grounder to second that was booted, allowing the go-ahead run to score. Hunter Medine was charged with a balk that brought another run in to give the Jaguars a 5-3 lead.

South Alabama would add to that advantage with two more runs in the fifth. The Jaguars loaded the bases with one out, but Alex Smith came in and got a strikeout for the second out of the inning. With Bilingsley at the plate, Smith threw a wild pitch that brought in the first run of the frame. The second came in on another error to finish the South Alabama scoring.

Cody Van Aken came in as the first call out of the pen for South Alabama starter, Austin Stephens and allowed just one hit in the final 4.1 innings. Van Aken struck out four while issuing just one walk on 56 pitches and picked up the win.

The Privateers got solo runs in the second, third, and fourth. Ray Veit just beat out a turn for a double play attempt and picked up an RBI fielder's choice. In the third, Preston Marsh hit a sac fly RBI to push the Privateers' early advantage to 2-0. The final run of the game came on an RBI infield single from Chaz Boyer.

Medine (0-1) took the loss, allowing five runs (one earned) in relief. Six different pitchers were used after starter, Nick Halliday went 2.2 innings. The Privateers got seven hits at the plate and two stolen bases. New Orleans used six different pitchers on the night.

Jared Barnes went 4-for-5 in his first collegiate game, collecting four singles. Cole Gleason went 2-for-5 with a two-run double. LaBounty scored twice, drew two walks, and was hit by a pitch in another plate appearance.

The two teams will meet for the second game of the series on Saturday at 12 p.m. Shawn Semple will take the ball for the Privateers and will be opposed by Ryne Long.

For more information, follow the Privateers on Twitter @UNOPrivateers and@Privateers_BSB or like us on Facebook.