BOX SCORE (PDF) | (HTML)
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Jacksonville State starter Daniel Watts’ no-hit effort through five innings, combined with five early defensive miscues, contributed to Morehead State’s 12-5 loss in game three of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Thursday at Pringles Park.
MSU was eliminated from the event but finished the season with its first winning record since 2005, recording a 28-27 final tally.
Senior third baseman
Andrew Deeds recorded his 87th hit of the season in his final collegiate game and set the MSU single-season mark established by former Eagle infielder Drew Lee in 2009. Deeds went 2-for-4 with a single and an RBI double.
The Eagles committed three errors in the first that allowed five runs to score. Third baseman Sam Eberle contributed a two-run double to start the scoring effort by JSU. The Gamecocks (27-29) added to their lead in the second inning behind two more defensive errors.
Eberle finished the game with three hits and four RBI. He notched a pair of singles and a double.
Watts baffled MSU batters, fanning 11 in six innings. He surrendered just one hit and only two reached base against the JSU right-hander. He earned the win, his sixth of the season.
Sophomore lefty Noah Smallwood got the start for the Eagles and gave up eight runs, only three of which were earned. He allowed nine hits in five innings and took the loss.
The Eagles rallied late against the JSU bullpen, scoring five runs in the eighth and ninth innings. Outfielder
Taylor Pickens, designated hitter
Eric Bainer and Deeds each collected multi-hit outings.
