JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – The Eastern Kentucky University baseball team’s eighth inning comeback fell short Sunday as the Colonels lost to Jacksonville State, 5-3. With the loss, the Colonels (20-21-1, 8-10 OVC) suffer their first weekend series sweep of the season, while the Gamecocks (23-18, 14-4 OVC) increase their hold on first place in the conference.

Trailing 5-0 heading into the top of the eighth, the Colonels rallied. Freshman Jayson Langfels was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, and promptly stole second. Senior Clint Seymour then reached on an error by JSU second baseman Bert Smith, and Langfels scored on the error. After senior Joe Oliver flied out for the first out of the inning, freshman Ryan Faidley walked, advancing Seymour to second. Junior Aaron Barrows then singled, loading the bases for sophomore Anthony Ottrando who ripped a two run single, plating Seymour and Faidley, and making the score 5-3.

After Ottrando stole second and junior Dylan McMaine walked, the Colonels trailed by only two runs with one out and the bases loaded. Junior Tyler Rehmel, however, then grounded into a double play to end the threat and the inning.

Junior Chris Grider (3-3) got the loss for the Colonels, going four and two thirds innings and allowing five runs on seven hits. Freshman Jay Embree pitched two and a third innings without allowing a run on just two hits. He also struck out three batters. Sophomore Jim Clancy pitched a perfect ninth.

Jordan Beistline (1-0) picked up the win for the Gamecocks, pitching seven and a third innings and allowing three runs on three hits.

The Colonels were led at the plate by Ottrando, who went 1-for-4 with two RBI, and Faidley, who batted 1-for-2 with a run scored.

The Colonels return to action Tuesday, April 29, when they host Miami University at Turkey Hughes Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.