RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University’s baseball team lost the opener of a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series to Jacksonville State University, 18-3, on Thursday.
The Gamecocks (20-16, 11-5 OVC) took an early lead when Nic Gaddis hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning. It was the first of eight home runs for JSU in the game. Jacksonville State added five in the top of the third, two of which came on a homer by Carson Crowe.
Chase Robinson hit a 3-run home run in the top of the fourth to make it a 10-0 game. Alex Webb hit a 3-run dinger in the top of the fifth, his second home run of the game, to put the visitors in front 13-0.
The Colonels (22-16, 9-7 OVC) broke up the shutout in the bottom of the sixth inning. With one out, Ryland Kerr doubled to right center. Nick Howie followed with his 10th home run of the season, crushing the ball over the wall in left to make it 16-2.
Webb went 4-for-5 with a walk, four runs and four RBIs for the Gamecocks. Robinson was 1-for-5 with a walk, two runs and four RBIs. Garrett Farmer (4-0) earned the win after allowing two runs on six hits and striking out six over six innings.
Howie had a 1-for-4 day with a run and two RBIs for Eastern Kentucky. Logan Thomason finished 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Game two of the series is now scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m.
