Box Score (PDF)

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team (18-16) dropped the home series opener to the South Alabama (25-13) Jaguars 7-3 on Friday night. The Purple Aces received a three hit night from outfielder Kevin Kaczmarski but the team left 13 runners on base in the defeat
 
"Whenever you have 10 hits and three runs, it says we didn't have enough hits with runners in scoring position," said Evansville head coach Wes Carroll. "We just haven't been able to get that big hit."
 
Kaczmarski started the scoring in the first inning for UE. With a man on and two outs, the senior outfielder hit a two-run home run to right-center field, giving UE the early 2-0 advantage.
 
Evansville starter Patrick Schnieders held the lead until the third inning. The first three Jaguars hitters reached base and then all scored on a grand slam from Ben Gann.
 
Down 4-2, UE pulled within a run in the fourth when shortstop Shain Showers plated designated hitter Korbin Williams on an RBI single to center field.
 
South Alabama added to the lead in the fifth on a Bud Collura run producing single. The Jaguars also tallied runs in the seventh and ninth innings to create a 7-3 edge.
 
Trailing by four, the Aces started a ninth inning rally by getting the first two hitters on base. South Alabama then brought in closer Ben Taylor who struck out the final three hitters to secure the 7-3 series opening win for the Jaguars.
 
Schnieders (2-5) takes the loss, going 6.0 innings and yielding six runs on nine hits. The win goes to right-hander Kevin Hill (6-0), allowing just three runs over 7.0 innings. Taylor notched his sixth save of the season.
 
The multi-hit game was the 71^st in Kaczmarski's Purple Aces career. He also recorded his 56^th double at UE, surpassing current UE pitching coach Cody Fick, for seventh most in program history.
 
Outfielder Jarod Perry extended his on-base streak to 35 games and hit streak to 10 straight. Outfielder Josh Jyawook also moved his hitting streak to 12 consecutive games. First baseman Eric McKibban has reached base safely in 22 games in a row.
 
The two teams will conclude the series with a Saturday doubleheader. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. CDT at Braun Stadium in Evansville, Ind. Adult tickets are $7 each as senior/youth tickets are just $5.