#1 Jags Run Past Arkansas State

South Alabama coach Mark Calvi's decision to bypass ace Kevin Hill in favor of lefty Jarod Gates paid dividends.

Gates scattered four hits over 7.1 innings as the top seeded Jags defeated Arkansas State 6-2 in first round action of the Sun Belt Baseball tournament in Troy, Alabama.

The Jaguars got to Arkansas State ace David Owen in the middle innings, scoring five of their six runs.  Owen was charged with all six runs, five earned, on eight hits in 6.1 innings.

Adam Ballew had three hits for the Jaguars, scoring a run and driving in a run to lead South Alabama.  Ryan Raspino chipped in two hits.  Lucas Fedderson had two hits for the Red Wolves in the contest.

South Alabama will meet #5 Georgia State, w 3-2 winner over Georgia Southern in a game scheduled for 4pm Thursday.  Arkansas State and Georgia Southern will play in an elimination game at 9:00am.