FINAL STATS

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Lucas had a season-high five strikeouts in six solid innings on the mound to lead Jacksonville State to a 3-1 win over Austin Peay as the Gamecocks claimed the Ohio Valley Conference series on Sunday.

Lucas (2-0) scattered five hits in 6 2/3 innings to earn his second win of the season, while Todd Hornsby earned his second straight save. Stephen Huff (3-4) gave up just three hits and two runs, but got stuck with the loss for the Govs.

Jax State (20-16, 8-4 OVC) took a 1-0 lead in the third inning after Todd Cunningham reached on a wild pitch and then stole second and third. Bert Smith followed with a single up the middle to score Cunningham and give the Gamecocks the early lead.

Austin Peay (18-18, 4-8) tied the game in the fourth inning after Jared Delong led off with a single to right field and moved to third on a two-base error. Matt Kole followed with a RBI single down the left field line to make the score 1-1.

Jax State scored a run in the sixth inning after Smith walked, Andrew Edge and Daniel Adamson all walked to load the bases. Sharrock followed with an infield grounder to score Smith as the Gamecocks took a 2-1 lead.

The Gamecocks extended the lead in the top of the ninth inning after Steven Leach led off with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and to third on a single by Cunningham. Smith followed with an infield grounder the Govs tried to turn into a double play, but Smith beat out the throw to first as Leach came across the plate to give JSU a 3-1 lead.

Austin Peay got the leadoff batter on in the ninth, but Hornsby recorded the final two outs in a pair of ground outs for the final margin.

Smith drove in two runs to lead the Gamecocks, while Sharrock added the other run. Matt Kole led the Govs with three hits.

Jacksonville State returns to the field next weekend with a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series against Southeast Missouri State, as both teams lead the conference with identical 8-4 marks. Saturday's double-header begins at 1 p.m., while Sunday's game will also start at 1 p.m.