Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Logan Thomason stayed hot at the plate and Michael Schuler pitched seven strong innings as EKU handed Jacksonville State its first ASUN Conference loss of the season, 10-5, on Friday at Jim Case Stadium.
 
Both teams are now 6-1 in conference play and tied for first in the ASUN West Division.  The Colonels won their sixth straight game and are 16-3 in their last 19.
 
After driving in four runs with a home run and two doubles against Kentucky on Tuesday, Thomason drove in five on Friday against the Gamecocks.  He hit a grand slam in the fourth inning and had an RBI single in the sixth.  He finished the night 2-for-4 with a walk and a run.
 
Schuler (4-1) turned in his second straight quality start, allowing three runs on seven hits in seven innings.  He walked four and struck out six.
 
Roderick Criss II hit a solo home run in the top of the second to stake Eastern Kentucky (19-8, 6-1 ASUN) to an early 1-0 lead.  It was the first homer of the season for Criss.
 
JSU (12-12, 6-1 ASUN) tied it in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI single by Isaac Alexander to left field.  The Colonels took the lead for good in the third on a sacrifice fly from Will King.
 
With two outs and the bases full in the fourth, Thomason took the first pitch and deposited it over the wall in left to turn a 2-1 lead into a 6-1 advantage.  He made it 7-1 with an infield single in the sixth that scored Jalen Jones.
 
Ron Franklin Jr. had a two-run double in the seventh.
 
Kendal Ewell had three hits in six at bats and scored a run.  Criss scored three times while going 2-for-4 at the plate with a home run and a walk.
 
Alexander finished 2-for-4 with a run and two RBIs.  Carson Crowe was 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI.  Jacksonville State starter Isaiah Magwood came into the game with a 3-0 record and a 2.36 ERA.  He allowed six runs on seven hits in four and one-third innings.
 
Game two of the series is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m.