MOBILE, Ala. — A clutch, two-out single from Paxton Bigby in the bottom of the ninth inning lifted the University of South Alabama Jaguars to a thrilling 5-4 walk-off victory over the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks on Friday night. The win secured the series opener for South Alabama (15-7, 2-2 Sun Belt Conference) at Stanky Field, marking a significant moment in their season as they navigate conference play. The Warhawks fell to 13-10 overall and 3-1 in the SBC.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing both teams’ offensive capabilities and resilience. South Alabama jumped out to an early lead thanks to a powerful display from first baseman Blake Guerin, but ULM quickly responded, keeping the contest tightly contested throughout. The late-game drama underscored the competitive nature of Sun Belt Conference baseball and the Jaguars’ ability to perform under pressure.
Guerin’s Blast Sets Early Tone
South Alabama wasted no time establishing a presence at the plate. In the first inning, Blake Guerin launched a towering three-run home run to left field, his team-leading sixth of the season. The blast immediately ignited the crowd and set the Jaguars ahead 3-0. Guerin’s power continues to be a key component of the South Alabama offense, and his 23 RBIs on the season demonstrate his value to the lineup.
Warhawks Respond, Puckett Answers
ULM didn’t remain behind for long. The Warhawks chipped away at the lead in the third inning, capitalizing on a pair of RBI plays – a ground out and a single – to narrow the gap to 3-2. But, South Alabama quickly countered. Jaguar third baseman Stewart Puckett stepped up to the plate and launched a solo home run to right field, his third of the year, extending the lead back to two runs. The exchange of power hitting highlighted the offensive potential of both teams.
Late-Inning Drama and Bigby’s Heroics
The Warhawks continued to battle, narrowing the deficit further with a solo home run, bringing the score to 4-3. They then tied the game in the seventh inning with an RBI single, setting the stage for a tense final two innings. The bottom of the ninth began with a spark from Brennon Wright, who reached base on a well-placed bunt single. Duncan Mathews followed with a walk, putting runners on first and second. A wild pitch advanced both runners into scoring position, and an intentional walk to Marc Stephens loaded the bases, creating a high-stakes situation with two outs.
With the game on the line, Paxton Bigby stepped into the batter’s box. After struggling in recent weeks, Bigby delivered a game-winning RBI single down the right field line, scoring Wright and securing the 5-4 victory for the Jaguars. Bigby finished the night with a three-hit performance, including two singles and a double, proving his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Shineflew Shines in Relief, Continues Dominant Streak
While the offense provided the late-game heroics, the pitching staff played a crucial role in keeping the game close. Starting pitcher Mitchell Heer went 6.2 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 earned runs, with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts. However, it was the performance of reliever Jaxon Shineflew that proved pivotal. Shineflew earned the win (3-0) after pitching 3.1 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 earned run, while striking out 6 batters. The earned run snapped Shineflew’s impressive scoreless streak of 19.1 consecutive innings, the first earned run he’s allowed since opening day on February 13th.
Coach Calvi Praises Team Resilience
South Alabama head coach Mark Calvi acknowledged the challenge presented by ULM, stating, “Monroe is different. They’ve done a great job over there. They got guys that can head deep and they’re hard to strike out.” He praised the performances of both Heer and Shineflew, noting their ability to navigate tough situations. Calvi also highlighted Bigby’s clutch hit, emphasizing the importance of the moment for a player who had been facing recent struggles. “Bigby with a few hits and then the game winner at the end is good to say because Paxton has really struggled the last couple weeks. He got off to such a good start but the last couple weeks hasn’t been where he was early on, but he’s kept a level head and kept showing up and working.”
On Deck: Series Continues Saturday
The series between the Jaguars and Warhawks continues Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. At Stanky Field. Ryland Bozenhard (0-0, 4.50 ERA) is scheduled to start for South Alabama, while ULM will send left-hander Brandt Corely (1-1, 7.06 ERA) to the mound. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Jags Radio Network.
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The Jaguars will look to build on this momentum and secure a series victory against a tough ULM squad. With strong pitching and timely hitting, South Alabama aims to continue its success as the Sun Belt Conference season progresses.
